Easter Contest: Protobabe

NBP1

*~~~~~~~~~*

As you pass through the front gate into Meteor Valley, there is a sense of foreboding that seems to hang thick in the air. Since not many have decided upon this area, the path is deserted; while Jolteon seems a little worried about this, something spurs you both on to search further ahead. Spotting the entrance to a cave off to the side, you decide to enter to explore its depths.

Near the entrance, a small star-shaped Pokemon is happily drawing on the rock with what appears to be a discarded pencil. Busy with its work, the Cleffa doesn't bother to turn around just yet.

*~~~~~~~~~*

Trainer Stats:

Name: @The Protobabe;

Location: Meteor Valley

Area Effects: Event

5 Encounters Remaining

Pokemon Encountered: Cleffa

Pokemon Captured:

CC since last Encounter: 0

Pokemon Statistics:

Pokemon: Jolteon

Gender: Male

Nature: Bold

Ability: Volt Absorb

Extra Moves: Hidden Power [Ice], Volt Switch, Substitute, Light Screen, Reflect, Shadow Ball, Yawn, Magnet Rise, Growth

Total Items:

3 Park Ball, 2 Super Ball, 1 Hyper Ball, 2 Lava Cookie, 2 EnergyPowder, 1 Pokedoll

*~~~~~~~~~*

 

Zor swallowed nervously as she made her way down the seemingly deserted valley. She knew there were lots of Pokemon here--namely Dark and Psychic types that could be exceedingly powerful--but right now, it was eerily quiet. Storm whined through his teeth at her side, uneasy. He wasn't one to be easily rattled, but something about this place was somewhat... creepy. Zorayda was nervous, but she pressed ahead, feeling more at ease with her Pokemon companion nearby. She reached down and absently stroked his head, the fur somewhat tough like porcupine quills. He was more nervous that he was letting on. Still, Zor peered into the first cave she spotted. It was slightly dark inside, but her eyes adjusted quickly to see a little figure on the ground. She came forward a bit to see that it had a pencil in its stubby little hand, and was drawing on the rocks. It must have acquired the writing utensil from humans that had been around before...

She didn't really need to catch a Cleffa, however. The Trainer looked down at her Jolteon and pressed a finger to her lips, urging him to stay silent. Maybe they could get away from it if it didn't see them... the blonde made her way into a tunnel that led off from the cave's entrance, taking them deeper in where more Pokemon were sure to appear.

 

NBP2

*~~~~~~~~~*

Thankfully, you and Jolteon are able to quietly slip into the cave proper. Cleffa, happily doodling away, is obviously lost in its art. While a few of the drawings look strangely familiar, neither of you are eager to bother the small creature anytime soon.

The cavern, while dark, is dimly lit thanks to cracks in the rocky ceiling that allow sunlight to creep through. The sinking feeling you felt before is back, and it only grows stronger as a white-furred creature slowly approaches. The Absol walks until it is a mere few feet away, then sits down as it examines you both.

*~~~~~~~~~*

Trainer Stats:

Name: @The Protobabe;

Location: Meteor Valley

Area Effects: Event

3 Encounters Remaining

Pokemon Encountered: Cleffa, Absol

Pokemon Captured:

CC since last Encounter: 0

Pokemon Statistics:

Pokemon: Jolteon

Gender: Male

Nature: Bold

Ability: Volt Absorb

Extra Moves: Hidden Power [Ice], Volt Switch, Substitute, Light Screen, Reflect, Shadow Ball, Yawn, Magnet Rise, Growth

Total Items:

3 Park Ball, 2 Super Ball, 1 Hyper Ball, 2 Lava Cookie, 2 EnergyPowder, 1 Pokedoll

*~~~~~~~~~*

 

[Make it a female, please :3]

The Trainer and her Pokemon breathed a soft sigh of relief as the Cleffa completely ignored the pair, too engrossed in its art to notice their passing. It was adorable, to be sure, but not something the blonde wanted in her team just now. Better to leave the cute little baby in peace. The caverns were beginning to get a bit dark, so that Zor had to squint to see anything. It was getting a bit creepy, in fact. Storm sensed her fear and huddled close to her calves as reassurance. Zorayda kept her eyes peeled for any Pokemon that were hiding, trying to see if anything good would crop up. It seemed, however, that the Pokemon in Meteor Valley were much bolder than she thought.

A white, four-legged creature walked almost casually towards them and stopped to sit back on its haunches only a few feet away. It had unblinking, wine-red eyes, heavily clawed paws, and a sharp, prominent horn that extended from the side of its head. Its presence calmed the Trainer, and yet, it made her extremely wary at the same time. It was so calm, and yet... Zor sensed it could slash her to ribbons with its claws if it so wished. It reminded Zor of a Sphinx; wise, cunning, and terribly dangerous. Storm was stunned into silence by its appearance at first, but began growling a warning as soon as he overcame his surprise at seeing the strange wild Pokemon. The wild Pokemon had red, unblinking eyes that watched them with a highly intelligent gaze. It exuded power and wisdom, from the muscle rippling under its hide to the way its eyes watched every little movement Zorayda made, from her fingers twitching towards Storm, to her chest where her quickened breaths were apparent. The young woman had heard about these Pokemon before... they were wise, old, and reclusive, only appearing before a disaster occurred. It was rumored that they could sense when something bad was going to happen, and tried to warn others of the event before anyone was hurt. Though the history of these occurrences were often answered by humans with confusion, anger, and violence... They'd blamed the disasters on Absol and proceeded to attempt to hunt them all down. The memory of the tale made Zor's mouth turn down slightly at the edges in a soft frown. She just hoped that this particular Absol could withhold judgment of her human nature and enjoy becoming a part of her team. The wise Pokemon would be an asset and a joy to have with her as a companion--not to mention its fabled, precise skills in battles.

The Absol blinked slowly as if waiting for something. Zor's lips parted as she made her decision, ready to fight to keep this Pokemon that had so fearlessly approached them. It looked as if Absol wanted to fight, like it was ready to judge her as a person by the way she battled with her Pokemon companion. Thinking rapidly, Zor realized that Absol was a Dark type, and therefore weak to two things--Bug and Fighting attacks. And what did her prized Jolteon know? Pin Missile and Double Kick. This would work perfectly--she had a surefire way of capturing the tough, powerful Absol. It wouldn't be easy by any lengths, but at least she knew that she could land a few devastating blows to Absol to weaken it. Capturing such a Pokemon was a thrill--it wasn't a very common Pokemon, and it was known that to get one to trust you was a difficult and rewarding task.

Now determined to impress Absol and be worthy of its companionship, the Trainer acknowledged Storm and gave him orders.

"Okay, Storm, let's go for it. Start off with a Charm, then Thunder Wave!" Storm wasn't that great at Charm, but he was a male while Absol was female, so Zor figured that it work at least work to lower Absol's legendary attack a bit. However, with the wild Pokemon being so blase about almost everything, she wasn't sure it would work. Storm approached Absol sinuously, expression adoring and as cute as the yellow fox could manage. Zor's palms sweated with anticipation. She dearly hoped she was making the right battle decisions right now... so often in Trainer battles, she would slip up, make a mistake, and it would cost her the win. Now she needed all of her confidence in order to catch Absol...

Directly after the Charm, Storm's body became aglow with his natural Electric-type energy, a weak wave of static shooting at the Absol to hopefully paralyze it and make it less able to attack. The Jolteon's bright fur was standing straight on end and emanating static energy; it was pointy enough to work like a tarantula's fur and shoot at his opponent in spiky bursts. Zor always thought that was strange but fascinating for a mammalian Pokemon to be capable of such bug-like attacks.

"Now, Double Kick!" Zor called out next. Storm seemed to almost smirk as he zipped behind his opponent with lightning speed, using a cavern wall to bounce off of with light paws. There was nothing Storm loved like a battle--he needed battles to show his Trainer and prove to himself that he was a strong, able-bodied Pokemon with extraordinary talent. He sped at Absol's turned back and leapt, kicking out his back feet to attack the white, feline-esque Pokemon before landing in front of it once more with his canines bared.

 

BP1 (Vs. Absol)

*~~~~~~~~~*

As Jolteon begins his Charm attack, Absol watches the Electric-type with a hint of amusement. While it does manage to soften the wild Pokemon's heart to pull her punches, she uses the time to view an attack that will happen in the near future.

Having successfully Charmed his opponent, Jolteon generates a small static field and unleashes the current towards Absol. This action causes her to howl as the electricity courses through her body, and finally prompts her to rise once more. Angered at seeing Jolteon fail to use any offensive attacks just yet, Absol lets off a string of insults towards Zor's Pokemon, managing to rile him into attacking. Jolteon dashes forward and lands two swift kicks on the Disaster Pokemon.

*~~~~~~~~~*

Pokemon Stats:

Bold Male Jolteon: 100%, TNT-0 used Charm, Thunder Wave, Double Kick

??? Female Absol: 88% PRZ, ATK-2 used Future Sight, Taunt

SIGHT-1

*~~~~~~~~~*

Trainer Stats:

Name: @The Protobabe;

Location: Meteor Valley

Area Effects: Event

3 Encounters Remaining

Pokemon Encountered: Cleffa, Absol

Pokemon Captured:

CC since last Encounter: 5,188/25,000

Pokemon Statistics:

Pokemon: Jolteon

Gender: Male

Nature: Bold

Ability: Volt Absorb

Extra Moves: Hidden Power [Ice], Volt Switch, Substitute, Light Screen, Reflect, Shadow Ball, Yawn, Magnet Rise, Growth

Total Items:

3 Park Ball, 2 Super Ball, 1 Hyper Ball, 2 Lava Cookie, 2 EnergyPowder, 1 Pokedoll

*~~~~~~~~~*

 

It was slightly amusing to watch as the Absol let herself fall under Storm's Charm, though it was as if she allowed it to be so instead of actually being entranced by Zorayda's Pokemon. Though the intelligent white Pokemon had wisely used that moment to foresee an attack--a maneuver that almost seemed as if a Trainer would have asked it to use such a move. Zor tensed up with worry at when the attack would land, knowing it inevitable that Storm would eventually take that damage. Absol were extremely strong, as well... A tiny line formed on Zor's brow from worry. The paralyzing Thunder Wave landed as well, putting the Absol in pain. The blonde Trainer winced at the howl let loose from the majestic Disaster Pokemon; it was almost painful to watch her shiver from Storm's status-inducing attack. It seemed to be shooting some scathing insults at her Jolteon, however, for the Bold-natured Pokemon snarled ferociously out of anger, rushing forth to attack. The Double Kick didn't appear to do a lot to weaken or wear Absol; as a matter of fact, it looked as if she was readying herself for an attack of her own.

Storm awaited Zor's next recommended move, though it looked as if he'd ignore any status-changing abilities. It was all the same; Storm was excellent at rushing in head-first and doing hard-hitting attacks, rather than waiting on the sidelines and buffing himself and de-buffing others. Growls were rumbling from his chest at such a steady rate that it almost seemed like an angry purr. Storm the Jolteon was always a little ahead of himself. He fell for tricks easily and rushed in without thinking at times, putting himself in more danger than necessary. His nature was to show off somewhat, to be brave for his Trainer and make all he battled impressed with his abilities. Storm was on the border of being very, very brave and very, very dumb at times, but Zor knew she could always rely on him to give his all in each battle. It was a testament to her ability to bond with her Pokemon that each one of them trusted her and got along with her even if their personalities clashed. She knew each one like her best friends; in fact, she considered them to be her very best friends. With Dusk, her Umbreon, she remembered to be serious and not to mess around when he was in battle, because he became grumpy and annoyed if she messed about. Abila, her Espeon, would follow any order she gave with calm grace, but her attacks had to be planned out; she wasn't one to aggressively charge forward and land devastating attacks.

But now it was time to pay attention to the current battle; Zor forced herself to concentrate on Storm and the Absol that was withstanding his attacks and the paralyzing Thunder Wave that the Jolteon had inflicted upon her. This Pokemon was tough, that was certain; it would be a wonderful addition to the Trainer's team. That, or possibly one of a list of eggs that she'd prepared in case she didn't catch something that suited her team and personality... not all wild Pokemon were a good matchup with her training style and attitude. Perhaps a Porygon would be a boon to her from birth to training up as it grew, moreso than this Absol. It was a very tough decision, that was for sure. She truly hated that she had to choose Pokemon at the Park; she wanted to bring them all home and care for them as friends, just like the ones she already owned. The two quadrupedal Pokemon stared each other down with fierce gazes, ready to attack. Zor shouted out the next order to Storm, who leapt into action immediately upon being commanded.

"Storm, hit her with Thunder!" Zor cried, knowing that it was his most powerful move. It took a lot of concentration from him, but the attacks that landed were always devastating. Zor remembered one battle against a Trainer that had challenged her Gym. She had used her most powerful Pokemon that she had owned in order to get the Thunder Badge, but nothing withstood Storm's notorious Thunder attacks, especially when there were static-filled rainclouds in the air that her Gym almost always generated. It was a long and tedious battle, but Zor's prized Jolteon and Raichu had defended her Electric-type Gym in Vermilion City. The Gym Leader was fond of that moment, as a new Gym Leader defending against her first Trainer. She couldn't have been more proud of Storm, Venus, and Blitzkrieg the Electivire than she was at that moment. She pulled back from the memory when Storm's eyes lit aglow with the natural Electric energy his held inside. She could feel the particles of air charging with power, and the flyaways that escaped the hold of her ponytail stood up almost comically. Storm looked at Absol with an expression that looked like a fierce grin as he unleashed his attack.

Just before, there was a split second of complete, oppressing silence that pressed on Zor's eardrums. She quickly covered her ears as the loud bolt struck, aimed at Absol. It was blinding, hot, and terrifying, just like each time Storm ever used the attack. It was very difficult to see whether or not the bolt landed and hit Absol, given the bright light and noise inside the cave. That probably attracted or scared off other Pokemon, as well... it would become apparent as they made their way through the cave. Zorayda opened her eyes and peeked at Absol, wondering how she fared after the attack.

 

BP2 (Vs. Absol)

*~~~~~~~~~*

As Jolteon summons enough energy to call a Thunder attack, the cave darkens as the small amount of sky that can be seen above becomes clouded over with dark thunderheads. Absol's eyes widen as she realizes just what her opponent is trying to do, but is unable to react in time thanks to her hindered movement. A large bolt of lightning shoots down from one of the cracks in the ceiling, striking the Disaster Pokemon and causes the creature's white fur to stand on end.

Letting out a growl of frustration, Absol bounds towards Jolteon and lands a sharp slashing attack with the horn on her head. While the move is dulled due to the earlier Charm, it still makes Jolteon yelp in surprise. Giving a small grin at this, Absol begins to ready another attack- and freezes in place as a shiver runs through her body.

*~~~~~~~~~*

Pokemon Stats:

Bold Male Jolteon: 94%, TNT-0 used Thunder

??? Female Absol: 64% PRZ, ATK-2 used Slash, fully paralyzed

SIGHT-3

*~~~~~~~~~*

Trainer Stats:

Name: @TheProtobabe;

Location: Meteor Valley

Area Effects: Event

3 Encounters Remaining Pokemon Encountered: Cleffa, Absol

Pokemon Captured:

CC since last Encounter: 10,550/25,000

Pokemon Statistics:

Pokemon: Jolteon

Gender: Male

Nature: Bold

Ability: Volt Absorb

Extra Moves: Hidden Power [Ice], Volt Switch, Substitute, Light Screen, Reflect, Shadow Ball, Yawn, Magnet Rise, Growth

Total Items:

3 Park Ball, 2 Super Ball, 1 Hyper Ball, 2 Lava Cookie, 2 EnergyPowder, 1 Pokedoll

*~~~~~~~~~*

 

Zor gasped out in fear as the Slash landed, the Dark Pokemon's sharp horn slicing through the air and through Storm's flesh. Thankfully it was only a nick, and the Absol's unwillingness to damage the fox due to that Charm earlier had left only a small scratch upon the Jolteon's shoulder. Knowing that there was little time left in the Contest to do her best at capturing this wild 'mon, Zorayda knew she had to rack her brains to try to get an edge on this battle...

'C'mon, think... what can I use to best this Pokemon? What would hit her hardest, disable her so she can't escape a Poke ball capture...?' She cast her eyes quickly about the cavern, noting the looping and winding pathways, the rocky walls, uneven ground beneath their feet... How could she use it to her advantage? And what move did Storm have that could serve to be useful here...? She cast her memory back, trying to recall what she'd used before in battles that had won her victories...

[hr][/hr]

The newly appointed Gym Leader could feel her palms sweating as the crowd watched the ensuing battle. The challenger, Felly, was a younger girl, but very much talented in her own right with a team of tough Pokemon. Zor had only inherited Vermilion Gym from the previous Leader, Lt. Surge—he’d held tryouts for those looking to become a Gym Leader of his proud Electric Gym. Zorayda had applied, one of a very few, and won the tournament, earning the badge and the rights of defending it. Now she needed to prove to herself and to Surge that she was every bit as tough and unbeatable as he was… that she could defend the Gym and its badge. She felt the Thunder Badge in her pocket as if it had suddenly gotten heavier; thinking about it made her aware of its presence.

Quite an audience had gathered… Trainers and townspeople alike had come to watch, interested in a good Pokemon battle in the Gym that saw very few talented Trainers pass through. Zor’s beloved Raichu, Venus, had just knocked out an Ariados, sizzling it clean into a faint with a well-hit Thunderbolt.

The rust-furred mouse was panting with effort, tiring quickly but determined to do as her mistress wished. Felly, the brunette Challenger, unclipped a Poke ball from her belt, ready to send it out. Zor braced herself for anything, ready to counter whatever it was that she sent out—the blonde had to protect her Gym, at any cost.

“You’re doing great, Venus. I couldn’t ask for a better Pokemon to battle for our Gym,” Zorayda called kindly to the Raichu. The Pokemon flicked her long, yellow-tipped tail and gave her Trainer a cheeky smile over her shoulder. Felly, across from them, clicked the button down on her ball and a Pokemon materialized—a huge silhouette emerged, one and a half times taller than Felly and twice as wide. Zor held her breath… such a big Pokemon was probably a powerhouse that could easily crush her little Raichu… but, glancing back at Venus, her faith was renewed as the Electric-type bounced on her bunny-feet, eager to begin battling again. The strange Pokemon shimmered into view, revealing dark, intense eyes set into a metal sculpture-like body. The abdomen of the Pokemon was a short, cylindrical shape, with four heavy, strong metal legs splayed out in all directions to support itself low to the ground. A cross slashed across its face, a thick, polished adornment that hung above its hollow eyes. Two red irises looked out from the black depths, flicking this way and that, analyzing its surroundings. Zor knew that this Pokemon was very tough and likely to know Ground-type moves… with a quavering voice that might have had something to do with the Metagross’s intimidating appearance, she gave Venus her next order.

[hr][/hr]

Storm was sizing up the makeshift arena as well, taking advantage of Absol's momentary weakness to think about how best to savagely attack the Dark-type... Zor knew he was smart, but reckless, often using his strength to try and muscle his way into victory--but that's where she, the Trainer, came in, honing his skills and helping him to use his power wisely... Absol had taken away many of his possible moves, leaving her little room to wiggle and use creativity...

[hr][/hr]

“Magnet Rise, V!” she called out. The large electric mouse’s body immediately shivered with the weak current of electricity—and suddenly it was as if a giant invisible hand was pushing her upwards from the middle of her spine. Like a cat falling from a great height, the Raichu’s head was lowered, paws lazily dangling as her tail twitched. Across the floor, Felly called out to her Metagross, as well, gritting her teeth for the fact that she could not use any strong Ground moves against the quicker, smaller Pokemon.

“Metaman, Meteor Mash, go!” With the screeching of metal on metal the Metagross moved, raising its front legs until it posed like a tarantula poised to strike. A light began to glow between its front legs until it formed a ball of tangible material—a metal meteor of sorts. Then, with a wickedly fast strike the ball slammed downwards, smacking the Raichu to the side and knocking her into the closest wall. She fell to the ground for a moment but her Magnet Rise forced her to float up again.

“Raiiiii!” she screamed, one eye pinched closed in pain. She balanced herself on the electrical current using her tail and paws, attempting to regain her composure and right herself enough to continue the fight.

“Meteor Mash her again, Meta!” Felly ordered her Pokemon, a victorious glint in her eye. Zor, narrowing her own jade eyes, thought quickly—Raichu was faster, but what move would prevent her from taking that devastating damage? She needed to either block the hit completely, or have enough energy to take another hit… the question was, even after that, Metagross was such a strongly defensive Pokemon that any normal hits wouldn’t really touch it—wait…!

[hr][/hr]

Storm growled suddenly, impatiently. Zor knew she had to come up with something, and soon, before the Absol regained her composure after that paralysis that had run through her muscles and rendered her unable to move...

[hr][/hr]

“Venus, use Pain Split!” Zor called, inspiration coming to her in that critical moment before Metagross could hit her Pokemon. Pain Split was a strange, ethereal move that shared both battlers’ pain from the hits they’d received, and with Raichu being at a quarter of her normal health, that put them both at half… easily ridding Metagross of half of its defensive energy…

The russet mouse grinned evilly—she loved using such wicked moves—and reached deep for her ghostly power, gaining strength as Metagross lost it. The Steel-type meteor still struck her, but she recovered again quickly, this time not even struggling to right herself on the currents of magnetic energy she rode upon. The crowd collectively gasped at this display of trickery and intelligent battling versus sheer brute strength… one voice called out from the crowd, a member having just walked in.

“Wow, who’s the Gym Leader? They’re really talented!”

“It’s Zorayda Moonlin, the new takeover for Vermilion!”

“Whoa, she’s new? Maybe I can challenge her later…”

The talk buzzed as Zorayda’s mind tried to block it all out—she couldn’t let the praise get to her head and make her cocky just yet. Felly still had a half-healthy Metagross and another mystery Pokemon to defeat, after all… With a smile that somehow couldn’t be erased from her face, however, she gave Venus her next command.

“Thunderbolt!”

Felly frowned but nodded up at her tough Pokemon. “Meta, Meteor Mash her once more!” Venus’s body lit up with the force of the electrical energy, body rippling with light, when she screeched and released it in a single bolt of light, heading inevitably for Metaman. At the same time, the metal ‘mon lit up as well, using the tangible ball of steel to finally crush Raichu to the ground, forcing her to lie still as the ball squashed her body against the strong current she produced. Zorayda cried out, a hand reaching out to the poor mouse as she screamed, finally growing quiet as she lie still in a dead faint.

Tears sprang to the young woman’s eyes at the rough treatment of her beloved teammate, but she forced herself to regain composure as she recalled the fainted Pokemon back to her ball. The Metagross was swaying on its legs, its creepy, hollow eyes dull with exhaustion… good, it wouldn’t last much longer. Time to pull out the trump card—Zorayda’s signature Vermilion Gym Pokemon… She palmed the ball for a solid thirty seconds, trying to regain the calmness in mind she so needed right this moment in order to battle properly.

[hr][/hr]

Ah, if only she could remember the whole battle faster...! When had Storm come in??? What moves did he use? Suddenly, her eyes locked on the pointed stones on the cave ceiling and floor--stalactites and stalagmites! She remembered vaguely that the ones on the ceiling were called 'stalactites', a random memory that sprang to mind. Stupid, pointless information. Zor always thought of such things in the heat of the moment, when her brain was trying to do other things...

[hr][/hr]

“You may have defeated my best trickster, but you still haven’t met my best Gym Pokemon,” Zorayda warned, voice laced with derision for the defeat of Raichu. Now was the time for revenge… Such rough treatment of such a small Pokemon was uncalled for, and the Leader intended to teach the Challenger a lesson. The crowd had now gone quiet, many wide eyes glancing back and forth between the two young women to see what would happen next. Zor expanded the Poke ball in her hand, making sure to make Felly feel the proper anticipation and nervousness at what would come next. Then, the blonde Leader released the next Pokemon.

Light emerged again, red then white, morphing quickly into a short, four-legged shape on the ground. Pointed ears and a short face were evident, as were intelligent, watery black eyes—yellow, jagged fur, as well as a spiked fur collar that accented its throat and neck like a mane appeared. White teeth glared from under a whiskered muzzle, long ears flattening in opposition of the Pokemon before it. The small fox showed absolutely no fear in the face of the much larger Metagross—rather, it seemed to hold some form of disdain and anger at it for the defeat of Venus, its partner and teammate. Felly gasped then growled in frustration across the court as the audience now fell into awed whispers. Zorayda’s famed Jolteon, Storm. Storm was bold, arrogant, with every right to be. He was strong and fast, as well as having a very dashing, glossy look to him that put him in the top tier of all Jolteons.

“B-Bullet Punch, Meta!” Felly called in desperation, hoping that the super-fast attack would outspeed the electric fox that was known for its quickness. Zor smirked, an expression mirrored by the highly intelligent Jolteon she had sent out.

“Ha! Storm is the fastest in the whole region! You’ll never hit him first! Now, Storm, Quick Attack!” In a flash that was nearly invisible to the eye, Storm rushed forth to carry out the order. Metagross attempted to zoom in close for the fast, weak punches, but before it could even raise its forelegs it jerked to the side, seemingly struck by an invisible force. Groaning, the metal creature fell to the ground, legs crumpled underneath it like a dead spider. Metagross was down, fainted and out for the count. Victory! The crowd cheered on their Gym Leader, proud to be members of Vermilion City and to have a talented Gym Leader. Zor couldn’t celebrate just yet, though—there was one more Pokemon Felly hadn’t brought out, something she needed to battle next…

Felly recalled the fainted Metagross, looking thoroughly disappointed but pressing her mouth in a determined line as she touched her final Poke ball… the two Trainers were each at their last Pokemon on their team. It would be a truly even battle, in the end… Felly grinned almost wickedly before releasing her last Pokemon, the light forming another hulking, solid figure that towered above the two girls and above Zor's small but speedy Jolteon. Its skin was rough and colored a dark violet, with other markings that ranged from rust red to yellow--a star marked its face between two beady black eyes. It waved its clawed arms, two giant fins slashing at its elbows. A Garchomp... one of the most feared Pokemon to Electric types. Known for its ferocity, strength, and Ground/Dragon typing, Garchomp was nothing to mess around with... Zor gulped in slight fear. Storm, however, simply snarled at it aggressively, making the Leader smile slightly in both exasperation and admiration at her somewhat arrogant Jolteon. Now, just to reign him in long enough to counter that damned land-shark...

"Storm, use Magnet Rise!" she ordered, ensuring that he could not be struck by the Garchomp's tough Ground moves. Felly laughed across the hall and called out to the rough-skinned beast.

"Call up a Sandstorm!" the purple shark did as it was asked, closing its eyes and making a curious stirring motion with its fins as if whipping something up... To Zorayda's surprise, the dragon used mysterious power to make sand materialize out of nowhere, clouding vision and pelting everyone's skin with sharp, tiny bits of sand. It scraped like sandpaper or cement, giving her small, microscopic scratches that stung. Of course, the dragon was unaffected, and in fact looked as if it enjoyed the sandy atmosphere... audience members were complaining and hollering, shielding their faces from the storm. Some ran out of the Gym, and some stayed, eager to watch the battle to its very end.

Storm squinted his eyes and closed his muzzle tightly, ears flattened but unable to keep sand from getting in every crevice. He was now being pushed into the air above the ground by electromagnetic energy, but he yelped quietly when the sand scraped harshly against him and made him wince.

But Zor knew something that Felly didn't... Storm's inner strength would be what defeated her. His natural ability, one she hadn't thought about that all Pokemon could learn...

"Storm! Use your Hidden Power!" With a bark that was cut short from the dirt flying around, Storm hunched in on himself, and floating in midair he looked as if he'd adopted the fetal position. A buildup of energy made him begin to glow with a soft, blue light, something entirely different from his Electric typing... frightened, Felly gave a new order to her Garchomp.

"Stone Edge, now!" the move wasn't a Ground type, but it certainly was strong, and had a high rate for critical hits... Zor ground her teeth in anticipation, hoping...

Storm pushed against the magnetic force and allowed his body to unfurl like a proud flag, the pulse of blue energy racing through the storm and lighting the bits of sand like tiny diamonds. The energy froze each granule on the way past, which meant his Hidden Power was...

"...Ice...!" Felly gasped, suddenly very frightened. The Garchomp roared in agony as the Ice move chilled him to his bones, cutting right through his rough Ground type skin and slowing his attack. The Stone Edge slashed at Zorayda's Jolteon, making him yelp piteously in pain, but he held on tight, teeth gritted, canines flashing in the Sandstorm.

"AGAIN!" Zorayda roared out, as the sand buffeted Storm once more. Felly cried out and held her head in both her hands, devastated.

"Noooo...." Garchomp groaned out in pain as the Ice move damaged him again, mercilessly preying upon his double weakness to it before crashing to the ground, utterly defeated. Felly fell to her knees, at a loss for words at the crushing defeat. Zor walked over and helped her up as the crowd roared in celebration at their Leader's first defense of the Gym. Handing the Challenger her Poke ball, Zorayda smiled gently.

"Don't worry, Felly. Train hard and come back again someday... you can do it, I know you can," the Vermilion Gym Leader advised, before giving her a quick hug. "This was an excellent battle. Thank you for such a challenge..."

[hr][/hr]

Zor snapped to, realizing suddenly with a burst of inspiration what she had to do. Turning to Storm before Absol recovered, she smiled.

"Storm! Use your Hidden Power on those stalactites and stalagmites--get them nice and shiny like a mirror! Then I want you to use them to your advantage, speed through them, confuse Absol into thinking you're in different places so she can't touch you. Then hit her with Pin Missile from all angles before landing another solid Double Kick," she ordered.

Still eager to attack with pent up aggression from the Taunt, Storm nodded affirmation at the commands and got to work, using the soft glow of blue light to land a pulse on most of the spiked rocks that surrounded Absol. He then got between them all, shooting through them like a star. The speed at which he moved was incredible--Zor didn't think something on four paws could possibly move that fast, but move he did! Then he allowed his naturally spiked fur to stiffen on reflex, shooting Pin Missiles from different directions like a tarantula. Then, lastly, he shot from nowhere and lashed out with his powerful back legs again, his hindquarter muscles visibly thrashing out with the strength of the blows. Storm landed on the opposite side, putting Absol between him and Zorayda. His ribs heaved with the effort he'd just exerted, and Zorayda knew he was putting forth all his might in the rage that Absol had induced... she just hoped he could keep his cool long enough to win this battle...

 

@TheProtobabe; Taking over for now, since Akinai couldn't get to the parts store because of Good Friday.

Event Post #1

---

The Jolteon glides along at an incredible speed faster than the Absol can follow--the glare from the ice confuses her as Storm attacks her from all sides with the Pin Missile. The Absol turns just as he rushes in for the Double Kick, knocking her skidding across the cave floor. However, Storm has little time to celebrate. In the rush of adrenaline from his attacks, he's forgotten about the Future Sight. Energy materializes and crushes down on him, an invisible mental weight that disrupts all his senses. Then, quiet as the dead, the Absol lashes out with her own technique. Inky tendrils form and slash through the air, knocking into Storm as the Night Slash brushes across his body. They didn't hit as hard as they could've, thankfully, due to the paralysis making her hit less hard.

---


Pokemon Stats:

Bold Male Jolteon: 77%, TNT-1 [Used Hidden Power, Pin Missile, and Double Kick]

Quiet Female Absol: 32% PRZ, ATK-2 [Used Night Slash]

*~~~~~~~~~*

Trainer Stats:

Name: @TheProtobabe;

Location: Meteor Valley
Area Effects: Event
3 Encounters Remaining
Pokemon Encountered: Cleffa, Absol
Pokemon Captured: N/A

CC since last Encounter: 28,033/25,000

Pokemon Statistics:

Pokemon: Jolteon
Gender: Male
Nature: Bold
Ability: Volt Absorb
Extra Moves: Hidden Power [Ice], Volt Switch, Substitute, Light Screen, Reflect, Shadow Ball, Yawn, Magnet Rise, Growth

Total Items: 3 Park Ball, 2 Super Ball, 1 Hyper Ball, 2 Lava Cookie, 2 EnergyPowder, 1 Pokedoll

 

Zorayda whooped joyously as Storm zipped around the cavern, bouncing from the mirrored, icy rocks and striking the Absol with speedy attacks and strength. She was hit hard by Double-kick, making her skid across the floor. But a gleam in her eyes made the Jolteon and his Trainer pause, and suddenly Storm yelped as the Future Sight struck him, followed up immediately by the Dark attack.

'Argh! I forgot all about that...' Zor thought, heart plummeting as her Pokemon winced in pain. 'Arceus-damn it all, I'm being a terrible Trainer, carelessly forgetting things like that... I'm sorry, Storm,' she scolded herself, shaking with nerves and guilt. But now was not the time to dwell on her failures--now was the time to fight back, to show that Absol that she was boss and that she shouldn't underestimate her Pokemon partners. They certainly had the upper hand--Storm may have been Taunted, unable to do anything but strike the powerful Absol, but she was paralyzed, the electrical static firing and overloading her nervous system and weakening her by the second. It wouldn't be much longer, and she'd have it! But the weakened Absol wouldn't be able to take much more of a beating... now was the time to calculate very carefully, to get her down to her last, feeble bits of energy so she would be completely unable to escape the confines of the Park ball Zor would throw her way... but how to hit her, without knocking her out? Storm was in a rage, perhaps attacking more aggressively than usual, and he'd used Growth to heighten his strength in attacks... What to do...

Zor paused for a few seconds while both the Jolteon and the Absol attempted to recover from each others' attacks. Absol was a Dark type, right? She was strong against certain types of attacks... Ghost, and Dark. Storm could do nothing but attack at the moment, but that didn't mean he couldn't inflict status effects at the same time, using specific moves... A good hit with an attack weak to Absol's typing would most definitely land a small amount of damage--exactly what the blonde Trainer wanted to capture the elegant white Pokemon. Nodding to herself, she gave the next commands to her Jolteon, while reaching into the basket and grabbing a small Park ball. It automatically expanded in her hand as she palmed it, as if it was eager to capture something within its depths.

"All right, Storm! Call up a Shadow Ball and sling it her way, then catch her off-guard with a Bite!" Zorayda was hoping that the Bite would cause a flinch--a perfect opportunity to throw the ball and get her inside before she attempted to struggle her way out.

The electric fox lowered his head, jaws parted slightly as tendrils of purplish haze streamed between his teeth, materializing into a smoky, dark ball. Then, bracing himself on all four paws, he shot the ball at the Absol; it sped quickly but wobbled oddly on the way, as if it was floating and had a life of its own. Directly afterwards Storm used his ice mirrors again to run around back of the wild Pokemon, muzzle wide as he snapped his sharp teeth at Absol. Afterwards he skidded to a halt in front of Zor once more, turned to the side with his hackles raised like a scared cat.

Zor took the moment to chuck the ball at the Absol, hoping it would work, that she could catch the wise, intelligent 'mon. She held her breath, waiting...

 

Event Post #2

---

The Shadow Ball barrels into the Absol, but as Storm goes in for the bite, the Dark-type retaliates with a vicious Headbutt--one last hurrah before the Park Ball is thrown. It captures, and the device goes still.

There isn't time to celebrate however, as a large vulture swoops in and hovers, its powerful wings making the air stir.

---

Current Battle Stats:

??? ??? Mandibuzz: 100%

*~~~~~~~~~*

Trainer Stats:

Name: @TheProtobabe;

Location: Meteor Valley
Area Effects: Event
2 Encounters Remaining
Pokemon Encountered: Cleffa, Absol, Mandibuzz
Pokemon Captured: Quiet F Absol @ 20% [PRZ] 31,391/25,000

MCR: 0/35,000 [Rare Rank]

Pokemon Statistics:

Pokemon: Jolteon @ 71%
Gender: Male
Nature: Bold
Ability: Volt Absorb
Extra Moves: Hidden Power [Ice], Volt Switch, Substitute, Light Screen, Reflect, Shadow Ball, Yawn, Magnet Rise, Growth

Total Items: 2 Park Ball, 2 Super Ball, 1 Hyper Ball, 2 Lava Cookie, 2 EnergyPowder, 1 Pokedoll

 

Zorayda cheered, happy to finally capture the Absol that had been such a tough adversary. She clipped the ball onto her belt, eager to turn it in for the Contest. Absol would have to wait to be healed until later. Storm calmed considerably, sitting on his haunches and looking quite proud of himself. Zor smiled and reached down to pet his head. He panted and leaned into her fingers so they got deep in his coarse fur.

They moved on, ready to leave, when a huge vulture swept upon them, eyeing them suspiciously. Its dark wings made no sound as it moved; it was very much like a harbinger of death. Looking at Storm, she decided to run from it. They both moved carefully around it to try and make an escape route; Zor hoped it would work. If not, though, just in case...

"Storm, if we can't leave, hit it with a hard Discharge, okay?" Storm wuffed in affirmation, keeping his eye on the target.

 

Event Post #3

---

The Mandibuzz gives an ominous warning as you try to leave, puffing out its chest and rustling its wings. At your command, the Jolteon fires of a Discharge, but the Mandibuzz flies a little out of range to lessen the effect. In retaliation, the bird swoops in and pecks at the fox.

---

Current Battle Stats:

??? ??? Mandibuzz: 88% [Used Pluck]
Bold M Jolteon: 68% [Used Discharge]

*~~~~~~~~~*

Trainer Stats:

Name: @TheProtobabe;

Location: Meteor Valley
Area Effects: Event
2 Encounters Remaining
Pokemon Encountered: Cleffa, Absol, Mandibuzz
Pokemon Captured: Quiet F Absol @ 20% [PRZ] 31,391/25,000

MCR: 898/35,000 [Rare Rank]

Pokemon Statistics:

Pokemon: Jolteon @ 68%
Gender: Male
Nature: Bold
Ability: Volt Absorb
Extra Moves: Hidden Power [Ice], Volt Switch, Substitute, Light Screen, Reflect, Shadow Ball, Yawn, Magnet Rise, Growth

Total Items: 2 Park Ball, 2 Super Ball, 1 Hyper Ball, 2 Lava Cookie, 2 EnergyPowder, 1 Pokedoll

 

Scoffing in frustration, Zor pursed her lips as she thought of a different solution to trying to damage the bird as quickly as possible while attempting to escape again. If it came down to it, she had the Pokedoll, but she really didn't want to use it if she didn't have to... there were two more encounters left before she was escorted, after all, and she didn't know what was out there to bother the pair before she got out.

"Okay, Storm, we're gonna try to run, and if that doesn't work, use Growth and give this bird your best Thunder you can muster!" she advised the fox, who widened his stance in preparation.

 

Event Post #4

---

The bird screeches as you try to depart, flying overhead to block your way onward. Storm focuses his energy for Growth, but as he's unleasing his Thunder, the bird cries out again and slashes with its wing. A energy burst of wind strikes the fox just as he's letting of his attack, stunning him a bit and making the Thunder less accurate. The bird lets out a noise as the electricity strikes it.

---

Current Battle Stats:

??? ??? Mandibuzz: 76% [Used Air Slash]
Bold M Jolteon: 62% [Atk/SpAtk+1][Used Growth and Thunder]

*~~~~~~~~~*

Trainer Stats:

Name: @TheProtobabe;

Location: Meteor Valley
Area Effects: Event
2 Encounters Remaining
Pokemon Encountered: Cleffa, Absol, Mandibuzz
Pokemon Captured: Quiet F Absol @ 20% [PRZ] 31,391/25,000

MCR: 1,516/35,000 [Rare Rank]

Pokemon Statistics:

Pokemon: Jolteon @ 62%
Gender: Male
Nature: Bold
Ability: Volt Absorb
Extra Moves: Hidden Power [Ice], Volt Switch, Substitute, Light Screen, Reflect, Shadow Ball, Yawn, Magnet Rise, Growth

Total Items: 2 Park Ball, 2 Super Ball, 1 Hyper Ball, 2 Lava Cookie, 2 EnergyPowder, 1 Pokedoll

 

"Arrgh! We don't wanna fight you, bird!" Zor yelled at the Mandibuzz who just didn't seem to want to leave. The Trainer grumbled to herself, angry that she couldn't get away and that Storm was taking unnecessary damage from the vulture. If she couldn't get away this turn, she'd just use the doll, though she really didn't want to have to do that...

"Okay, Storm. If we can't get away... again... use Charm and then Yawn to get it softened up a bit," the blonde told Storm, who was getting slightly tired but still okay to fight a little longer.

 

Event Post #5

---

The Mandibuzz looks off into the distance like it hears something. Without any more fuss, it flies off to the source of the sound to leave you alone at last.

However, you travel no more than twenty yards when a Grumpig appears, snorting at you.

---

Current Battle Stats:

??? ??? Grumpig: 100%

*~~~~~~~~~*

Trainer Stats:

Name: @TheProtobabe;

Location: Meteor Valley
Area Effects: Event
1 Encounter Remaining
Pokemon Encountered: Cleffa, Absol, Mandibuzz, Grumpig
Pokemon Captured: Quiet F Absol @ 20% [PRZ] 31,391/25,000

MCR: 0/25,000 [Intermediate Rank]

Pokemon Statistics:

Pokemon: Jolteon @ 62%
Gender: Male
Nature: Bold
Ability: Volt Absorb
Extra Moves: Hidden Power [Ice], Volt Switch, Substitute, Light Screen, Reflect, Shadow Ball, Yawn, Magnet Rise, Growth

Total Items: 2 Park Ball, 2 Super Ball, 1 Hyper Ball, 2 Lava Cookie, 2 EnergyPowder, 1 Pokedoll

 

Zor shook her head when the next Pokemon showed up, not wanting a fight with it either. She'd caught Absol, and honestly, it was such a wonderful Pokemon to battle that she just didn't want to come out of the Contest with anything else. The Psychic-type pig looked very strong and able-bodied, though--it wasn't that Zor wouldn't want this Pokemon, it was just that she'd already made her final decision on which Pokemon she was choosing to keep with her. The pink-and-black pig lowered its head, the pearls in the center of its forehead gleaming with its energy.

"Let's try to get around this one, too," she said, eyeing the pig carefully. Storm wuffed in agreement, just wanting a rest back home. After this, Zor would be sure to give her Jolteon an extra special treat for being such a wonderful companion today. Maybe his favorite--fresh salmon with rice.

 

Event Post #6

---

The Grumpig goes still, and its eyes go hazy as if it's seeing something within its mind. Then, it ignores you entirely and disappears down the path, apparently seeing something of more importance.

A low growling alerts you then, and a hyena-like Pokemon comes out of the darkness. Maybe this Mightyena was the reason for the Psychic-type's leave.

---

Current Battle Stats:

??? ??? Mightyena: 100%

*~~~~~~~~~*

Trainer Stats:

Name: @TheProtobabe;

Location: Meteor Valley
Area Effects: Event
0 Encounters Remaining
Pokemon Encountered: Cleffa, Absol, Mandibuzz, Grumpig, Mightyena
Pokemon Captured: Quiet F Absol @ 20% [PRZ] 31,391/25,000

MCR: 0/15,000 [Borderline Rank]

Pokemon Statistics:

Pokemon: Jolteon @ 62%
Gender: Male
Nature: Bold
Ability: Volt Absorb
Extra Moves: Hidden Power [Ice], Volt Switch, Substitute, Light Screen, Reflect, Shadow Ball, Yawn, Magnet Rise, Growth

Total Items: 2 Park Ball, 2 Super Ball, 1 Hyper Ball, 2 Lava Cookie, 2 EnergyPowder, 1 Pokedoll

 

Breathing a sigh of relief, Zor and Storm watched the Grumpig run away, looking a bit spooked about something. A few moments later, it was apparent that the large, lupine figure growling in front of them was the culprit. It stood quite a bit taller than Storm, who, even with his confident personality, quailed a bit in its presence. It was a magnificent creature, to be sure... and it was a Pokemon Zorayda would regret running from, but she had already captured Absol... With a hint of regret and hope that she could find another of its kind on a future run, the Trainer pulled the lone doll from her basket and threw it somewhere behind the wolf, turning tail and running as soon as it was properly distracted.

The pair made their way back the path they came to come upon the gates that led to the Outpost. It was time to turn in her Pokemon for the Contest and see how they did. Before she left, however, Zor dug through the basket again and used one of the Energy Powders on Storm, who looked immediately relieved. She recalled him to his Poke ball with a little praise.

"Good job, Storm. Looks like we've earned a new family member today. When we get home, you're so getting salmon and rice," she told him. He barked happily before allowing himself inside his ball. Zor clipped it onto her belt alongside the Absol's ball and she began to walk back, wondering what she would name her new Pokemon.