Easter Contest: Siless

NBP1

*~~~~~~~~~*

As you enter Mount Oktori, there is a certain tension to the air. Many hopeful Trainers have entered the Park today, all hoping to be the one to capture the best Pokemon for the Capture Contest. Not many have chosen this specific area though, so you and Sela are in high spirits as there will be next to no competition.

Not even ten minutes after you pass the gate and are well on your way towards the mountain in the distance, a rotund Pokemon dashes over to block your path. Shelgon are well-known for their stubbornness, so how will you handle this?

*~~~~~~~~~*

Trainer Stats:

Name: Siless, @Siless;

Location: Mt. Oktori

Area Effects: Event

5 Encounters Remaining

Pokemon Encountered: Shelgon

Pokemon Captured:

CC since last Encounter: 0

Pokemon Statistics:

Pokemon: Sela (Gardevoir)

Gender: Female

Nature: Mild

Ability: Trace

Extra Moves: Hidden Power Fire, Thunderbolt, Destiny Bond, Shadow Ball, Focus Blast, Swagger, Attract, Skill Swap, Protect, Rain Dance, Grass Knot, Charge Beam, Light Screen, Taunt, Safeguard, Snatch, Torment, Toxic, Flash, Thunder Wave, Reflect, Psych Up, Heal Bell, Will-o-Wisp, Icy Wind, Substitute, Signal Beam, Encore, Mean Look, Telekinesis, Shadow Sneak, Hyper Voice, Helping Hand, Magic Coat, Magic Room, Wonder Room, Mimic

Total Items:

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

*~~~~~~~~~*

 

"Shelgon?" Almost instantly I came across the first Pokémon of the run. Dragons in general were interesting, and the Bagon evolutionary line was no exception, being based primarily on pure strength and the exertion of it. I certainly was interested in having a Salamence eventually.

Not now though.

Salamence was a powerful Pokémon, and while Shelgon didn't quite meet its evolution in power, it was still quite strong on its own. With the contest going on, I wanted to focus on getting a skilled (possibly stylish) capture, and Shelgon's sheer power made that incredibly difficult. If it was something powerful I was particularly drawn towards, such as a Weavile or Froslass, I may have went on to fight (though in that case I would've had to worry about damage to Sela..).

As of now, however, my choice was clear. Shelgon, while a good Pokémon, was too powerful for the effort in terms of how badly I wanted it, and I had to keep my (and Sela's) energy up for the remainder of the Capture Contest. I laid down the Pokédoll given in the contest pack. Might as well use it, wasn't going to be able to keep it after the contest anyways.

 

NBP2

*~~~~~~~~~*

Bagon, unfortunately, does not appear to be willing to budge. Once you set down your lone Pokedoll though, it eagerly rips into the plush with an almost frightening zeal. While Shelgon is properly distracted, you and Sela slip by and continue down the path.

There is a light snowfall coming down from the sky by the time you reach the base of the mountain. It has been eerily quiet, though if it is due to the fact that all of the Pokemon or hiding or they are merely observing you are not sure. Before you can ponder on this more, a Smoochum runs forward to greet you.

*~~~~~~~~~*

Trainer Stats:

Name: Siless, @Siless;

Location: Mt. Oktori

Area Effects: Event

5 Encounters Remaining

Pokemon Encountered: Shelgon, Smoochum

Pokemon Captured:

CC since last Encounter: 0

Pokemon Statistics:

Pokemon: Sela (Gardevoir)

Gender: Female

Nature: Mild

Ability: Trace

Extra Moves: Hidden Power Fire, Thunderbolt, Destiny Bond, Shadow Ball, Focus Blast, Swagger, Attract, Skill Swap, Protect, Rain Dance, Grass Knot, Charge Beam, Light Screen, Taunt, Safeguard, Snatch, Torment, Toxic, Flash, Thunder Wave, Reflect, Psych Up, Heal Bell, Will-o-Wisp, Icy Wind, Substitute, Signal Beam, Encore, Mean Look, Telekinesis, Shadow Sneak, Hyper Voice, Helping Hand, Magic Coat, Magic Room, Wonder Room, Mimic

Total Items:

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

*~~~~~~~~~*

 

Smoochum wasn't much higher on my list than Shelgon in terms of what to capture for the contest (I already owned a Jynx), but with only three more chances after it, I figured I may as well get a capture for an actual beginning to the contest against something that wasn't a dragon ready to rip me and Sela apart.

"Sela, you ready for a real Round One?"

Smoochum had a Special Attack power just under Shelgon's physical power. Both of these were fairly high for Pokémon that hadn't reached their highest evolution stage, and with Shelgon that would have proven to be considerable trouble. Against this Smoochum, however, it wasn't anywhere near as much of a hindrance; Sela's defensive abilities were far more focused on taking Special-based hits rather than physical ones. Smoochum also typically had considerably lower stamina compared to Shelgon. I figured that one to two attacks would generally wipe out a Smoochum's will to continue battling, while a Shelgon would be near impossible to catch in that time period even if its wounds caused it to be in its last seconds of life. I had no intention of pushing any battle that far, and with Smoochum, I certainly wouldn't have to.

The two major factors that one could control in a capture attempt was damage and status, and with the contest going on I had even more to worry about since I had to keep Sela in top form not only for later encounters but for scoring as well. At the same time, with the supplied healing items, I had plenty of room for some risk, especially with a huge potential payout. If I could have Sela make the Smoochum fall asleep, then we could prep it for a capture with impunity. If not, we could still attempt the combo and capture, but Sela would be open for a couple of attacks from Smoochum to hit. It certainly wouldn't be the greatest possible outcome, but the chance of a complete lack of damage from the encounter was worth it; if Sela ended up taking too much damage, I could tend to her wounds with some powder after the encounter. I certainly hoped it wouldn't come to that, not just for the waste of resources but for the sake of her well-being as well, but I had confidence she could do what I needed her to do. The capture process would be relatively quick and painless for Smoochum as well (primarily due to sleep, though an attack that nearly knocks out the target is usually more exhausting than it is truly damaging even if sleep doesn't hold).

I formed a mental image of the battlefield, containing both Sela and Smoochum. I focused this image in the real Sela's direction, as while I lacked my own telepathy, Sela could use her own as a basis for communication instead. In this image, I focused on three factors: Hypnosis, Calm Mind, and Shadow Ball. Hypnosis would implant a mental suggestion into Smoochum to sleep, as it always does. Calm Mind would enhance the lingering effects of Hypnosis as well as a follow up Shadow Ball attack, leaving Smoochum sleeping, weakened, and ready for capture. If Hypnosis failed... well, the plan was pretty much the same. Instead of working on a lingering connection forcing the Smoochum to sleep, Calm Mind would bolster up Sela's already high mental defenses, forcing Smoochum to either hit the boosted defenses or go for its weaker physical attacks. This would lower the damage Sela takes as she performs the Shadow Ball that would once again make Smoochum ready to capture, though this time without the benefits of the Sleep status.

Sela had no trouble reading my mental battle plan, and so commands were issued without any sign to Smoochum that we had done so. Smoochum was overly friendly though, trying to hug and kiss Sela, only able to reach her legs. I let Sela inform the Smoochum that we intended to capture it for the contest going on, giving it time to prepare (and not blindsiding it with an attack right off the bat). It was hardly fair to attack a Pokémon just trying to be friendly for no reason, but most Pokémon were willing to battle for a possible capture if informed about it, whether it be an issue of pride or trying to find a new friend. Whatever the intentions of the Smoochum were, it let go of Sela and backed off just enough for her to Teleport a small distance away.

Sela held her arms out and drew a transparent pink ring in the air, intending to get the first strike in the newly begun battle. The mental concentration required for a Hypnosis attack was great, and focusing the attack in a projectile form such as Sela's ring made it not only much easier to control and aim, but to use in general. As my Gardevoir started up her attack, I drew out a standard Park Ball from the contest satchel. Sela would follow up her Hypnosis, whether it worked or not, with the Calm Mind-Shadow Ball combo we discussed, and all I had to do was throw the Park Ball at the Smoochum. I focused myself on the Smoochum and the ball. With all the effort Sela was putting in to the battle and the contest, I didn't want to mess it all up by missing completely...

 

BP1 (Vs Smoochum)

*~~~~~~~~~*

As Sela Teleports away to distance herself from Smoochum, the baby Pokemon's curiosity is quickly replaced with determination; she understands the sign of a battle, and is not willing to go down easily. Seeing that the Gardevoir is preparing an attack, Smoochum unleashes a Psychic barrage on her target. The older Pokemon manages to shrug it off by only taking minor damage, and successfully puts Smoochum to sleep with Hypnosis.

Seeing that Smoochum is peacefully sleeping away, Sela takes a moment to boost her mental powers and defense with a Calm Mind technique. Smoochum, however, begins to mutter in her sleep. Without warning, the Ice-type dashes forward and lands an Ice Punch, the move randomly called upon in her sleep. Noting that the baby Pokemon is not as defenseless as she had originally thought, the Gardevoir begins to launch her next move.

After taking a moment to concentrate, Sela fires off an impressive Shadow Ball at Smoochum. Thanks to the boosted power Calm Mind provided, the move knocks down the young Pokemon to less than half health. In response, she begins to Snore loudly, making the Gardevoir wince. Before this wild Pokemon can do any more harm to Sela, you throw a Parkball at Smoochum...and remarkably catch it. The entire fight had been started and finished in the breath of a couple minutes.

As you pick up Smoochum's Ball, a new problem is presented to you. In the distance, there is a small cave. On the other hand, the snowy path you have been traveling on thus far looks far from over. Which choice shall you make?

*~~~~~~~~~*

Pokemon Stats:

Mild Female Gardevoir (Traced Hydration): 86%, SATK+1, SDFN+1 used Hypnosis, Calm Mind, Shadow Ball

??? Female Smoochum: 45% , SLP used Psychic, Sleep Talk (Ice Punch), Snore

*~~~~~~~~~*

Trainer Stats:

Name: Siless, @Siless;

Location: Mt. Oktori

Area Effects: Event

3 Encounters Remaining

Pokemon Encountered: Shelgon, Smoochum

Pokemon Captured: Female Bold Smoochum (45%)

CC since last Encounter: 0

Pokemon Statistics:

Pokemon: Sela (Gardevoir) (86%)

Gender: Female

Nature: Mild

Ability: Trace

Extra Moves: Hidden Power Fire, Thunderbolt, Destiny Bond, Shadow Ball, Focus Blast, Swagger, Attract, Skill Swap, Protect, Rain Dance, Grass Knot, Charge Beam, Light Screen, Taunt, Safeguard, Snatch, Torment, Toxic, Flash, Thunder Wave, Reflect, Psych Up, Heal Bell, Will-o-Wisp, Icy Wind, Substitute, Signal Beam, Encore, Mean Look, Telekinesis, Shadow Sneak, Hyper Voice, Helping Hand, Magic Coat, Magic Room, Wonder Room, Mimic

Total Items:

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

*~~~~~~~~~*

 

The battle was short, but it was much less straightforward than I thought. Sela took a couple blows thanks to Sleep Talk and Snore. It wasn't too much damage, but I was certainly wary of relying on Sleep and similar tactics just for the idea of not taking damage. The strategy certainly wasn't my best idea, though I suppose it did work. I would just have to come up with something better for whatever battles come up ahead.

The mountain path was covered with snow, but there was also a split in the path that turned into a cave. The best I could figure was that the native Fighting-type Pokémon would be more likely to take shelter in this weather than Ice-types, and while I could use more of both, I was more inclined to choose a Fighting-type opponent. The Fighting-types, in general, did have the advantage of being able to hit Sela's lower physical defenses hard, but in most cases she could fight back hard with a Psychic, or maybe a Focus Blast if it was a Pokémon in the Scraggy evolutionary line. Still, there was no guarantee the next Pokémon was Fighting-type (and no guarantee that I wouldn't want to fight it), so I mentally prepared myself for anything as I stepped into the cave with Sela.

 

NBP

*~~~~~~~~~*

Deciding to sake shelter from the snow, you and Sela decide to enter the small cave off to the side. Upon entering, the first thing that comes to your notice is the fact that the inside is much larger than you expected; the main room curves down and leads underground, flattening out at the bottom and leading to multiple tunnels. Before you can decide on a tunnel to follow, a small Pokemon shuffles from the leftmost path. The Mienfoo stops dead in its tracks as it sees Sela, and appears to be mulling over the thought of running away.

*~~~~~~~~~*

Trainer Stats:

Name: Siless, @Siless;

Location: Mt. Oktori

Area Effects: Event

2 Encounters Remaining

Pokemon Encountered: Shelgon, Smoochum, Mienfoo

Pokemon Captured: Female Bold Smoochum (45%)

CC since last Encounter: 1,206

Pokemon Statistics:

Pokemon: Sela (Gardevoir) (86%)

Gender: Female

Nature: Mild

Ability: Trace

Extra Moves: Hidden Power Fire, Thunderbolt, Destiny Bond, Shadow Ball, Focus Blast, Swagger, Attract, Skill Swap, Protect, Rain Dance, Grass Knot, Charge Beam, Light Screen, Taunt, Safeguard, Snatch, Torment, Toxic, Flash, Thunder Wave, Reflect, Psych Up, Heal Bell, Will-o-Wisp, Icy Wind, Substitute, Signal Beam, Encore, Mean Look, Telekinesis, Shadow Sneak, Hyper Voice, Helping Hand, Magic Coat, Magic Room, Wonder Room, Mimic

Total Items:

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

*~~~~~~~~~*

 

A Mienfoo stumbled out of one of the paths in the cave. It seemed more than a bit timid, ready to bolt at the first sign of danger. I wasn't comfortable with just attacking it out of the blue, but I did wonder if it would be up for indulging a capture for the contest; I wasn't quite sure if I wanted to keep a Mienfoo, as I already had its evolved form back home. Getting her a friend wouldn't hurt, however, and if I did decide to bring Mienfoo with me and couldn't use it effectively, I could find a suitable owner.

I directed Sela to talk to the Mienfoo, asking if it would be alright with a battle and a possible capture. If it wasn't, I would leave it alone, as I wasn't desperate for a capture, but it would've been nice to have Mienfoo judged for the contest over Smoochum. I didn't feel too strongly one way or the other, though I did hope that, if Mienfoo did want to fight, it gave us time to prepare instead of sucker punching Sela during the conversation. Just in case, I focused my mind onto the idea of Sela's Will-o-Wisp attack so she knew what to do in case the battle had to start without me.

Sela approached the Mienfoo carefully, trying to not startle it or make it feel threatened. I sat back away from the pair; ganging up two on one seemed to be a very stupid idea when it came to not provoking or scaring the Pokémon. I had a good view in case anything ended up happening, but I wasn't exactly able to use any items immediately. I doubted I needed them, but of course I would if I got too overconfident. That already happened once in this run.

 

BP1 (Vs Mienfoo)

*~~~~~~~~~*

It takes a few moments for Sela to explain to Mienfoo that neither of you mean it any harm, and the reason for why you are in these tunnels. The Fighting-type's demeanor instantly changes, and Sela gives you a small nod to know that the Pokemon is indeed wishing to battle. Preparing itself for battle, Mienfoo closes its eyes and begins to bolster its defenses with Calm Mind.

In response, Sela readies her own technique. Calling forth a violet ball of flame, the Gardevoir wills the orb towards Mienfoo. Caught in meditation, the Pokemon is unable to dodge the Wisp and is badly burned.

*~~~~~~~~~*

Pokemon Stats:

Mild Female Gardevoir: 86%, used Will-O-Wisp (Traced Inner Focus)

??? Female Mienfoo: 96% BRN, SATK+1, SDFN+1 used Calm Mind

*~~~~~~~~~*

Trainer Stats:

Name: Siless, @Siless;

Location: Mt. Oktori

Area Effects: Event

2 Encounters Remaining

Pokemon Encountered: Shelgon, Smoochum, Mienfoo

Pokemon Captured: Female Bold Smoochum (45%)

CC since last Encounter: 2,775/15,000

Pokemon Statistics:

Pokemon: Sela (Gardevoir) (86%)

Gender: Female

Nature: Mild

Ability: Trace

Extra Moves: Hidden Power Fire, Thunderbolt, Destiny Bond, Shadow Ball, Focus Blast, Swagger, Attract, Skill Swap, Protect, Rain Dance, Grass Knot, Charge Beam, Light Screen, Taunt, Safeguard, Snatch, Torment, Toxic, Flash, Thunder Wave, Reflect, Psych Up, Heal Bell, Will-o-Wisp, Icy Wind, Substitute, Signal Beam, Encore, Mean Look, Telekinesis, Shadow Sneak, Hyper Voice, Helping Hand, Magic Coat, Magic Room, Wonder Room, Mimic

Total Items:

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

*~~~~~~~~~*

 

Mienfoo's demeanor changed significantly at the sign of a friendly battle, and it started to focus, glowing a soft pink as the Calm Mind took over its body. Sela responded by conjuring ghostly flares that scattered and converged on the Fighting-type, creating a haunting burn that would sap its energy over time. The burn would keep Mienfoo from dealing as much physical damage to Sela as it would normally be capable of, and though Calm Mind boosted its Special-based offenses as well as its defenses, Mienfoo didn't have much choice in the way of Special Attacking. Mienfoo was still certainly capable of hurting Sela, but we had a bit to work with defensively. With the burn and Sela's Special Defense, we could very likely win a battle of attrition.

Or we could annoy Mienfoo down to a point where we could capture it. Calm Mind had reinforced Mienfoo's mind, but with the burn we had already placed on it and some extra help, we could break its concentration.


"Sela, get into Mienfoo's head with Swagger!"


Sela enveloped herself in a red aura, emanating rage in all directions, but focusing on the Mienfoo in front of her. She started mouthing off at the Fighting-type; she didn't mean any of what she was saying, but it helped activate the rage in her opponents, and the confusion was less damaging than beating them around with Psychic in most cases, at least in terms of lasting damage. Not that we did anything that could be fixed with a night's rest, but it really helped Sela keep relaxed during the battles.

"When Mienfoo attacks, try to push it back with Confusion."

Still, we had to defend ourselves. Confusion would be the best way to gauge how much damage we would do, especially since we already had a continual source of damage from Mienfoo's burn and the possibility of Swagger making the Weasel-like Pokémon hurt itself. If needed, we could boost our power later. For now, I just needed to stay observant and figure out what would be our next move.

 

BP2 (Vs Mienfoo)

*~~~~~~~~~*

As Sela's Wisp strikes its target, she begins to strut in place- an odd sight for a Gardevoir. The Swagger is not lost on Mienfoo though, and the Fighting-type Pokemon is soon seeing red. Letting out a shriek of anger, she runs towards Sela and lands a sharp slap with Force Palm.

After shaking off the attack, Sela counters with a Confusion. The move psychically knocks Mienfoo back, causing the Pokemon to stumble as she tries to regain her footing. Annoyed that the Gardevoir is trying to keep some distance, Mienfoo begins to charge a long-range attack- and reels as the move smacks her in the face instead.

*~~~~~~~~~*

Pokemon Stats:

Mild Female Gardevoir: 80%, used Swagger, Confusion

??? Female Mienfoo: 78% BRN, CON, SATK+1, SDFN+1, ATTK+2 used Force Palm, smacks

*~~~~~~~~~*

Trainer Stats:

Name: Siless, @Siless;

Location: Mt. Oktori

Area Effects: Event

2 Encounters Remaining

Pokemon Encountered: Shelgon, Smoochum, Mienfoo Pokemon Captured: Female Bold Smoochum (45%)

CC since last Encounter: 4,754/15,000

Pokemon Statistics:

Pokemon: Sela (Gardevoir) (86%)

Gender: Female

Nature: Mild

Ability: Trace

Extra Moves: Hidden Power Fire, Thunderbolt, Destiny Bond, Shadow Ball, Focus Blast, Swagger, Attract, Skill Swap, Protect, Rain Dance, Grass Knot, Charge Beam, Light Screen, Taunt, Safeguard, Snatch, Torment, Toxic, Flash, Thunder Wave, Reflect, Psych Up, Heal Bell, Will-o-Wisp, Icy Wind, Substitute, Signal Beam, Encore, Mean Look, Telekinesis, Shadow Sneak, Hyper Voice, Helping Hand, Magic Coat, Magic Room, Wonder Room, Mimic

Total Items:

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

*~~~~~~~~~*

 

Mienfoo got off a Force Palm after the initial Swagger attack, but was unable to counter Sela's push and, in its confusion, lost control of some projectile attack. The damage was small on both ends, but it was there. If I had invested training time into helping Sela learn Confuse Ray by now, we wouldn't have to deal with the increased attack power of Swagger's rage-induced confusion, but at least we could use that attack power to our advantage.

"Good job getting Mienfoo back. Now use the space to Psych yourself Up!"

Sela focused inward, hypnotizing herself in an effort to mimic the stat changes on Mienfoo. The increased attack power didn't do her much good, though it did boost the power of her Stored Power attack indirectly if I wanted to use it and she didn't have to deal with Mienfoo's blind rage. The boosts from Calm Mind, however, were much more useful. Sela's attacks were primarily Special-orientated, and if we could force a long-distance battle, Mienfoo's attacks would be as such as well.


As Sela hypnotized herself, I focused my mind on the next attack so she could get to it at her own pace: Charge Beam. However Mienfoo responded, there wouldn't be too much trouble with Sela trying to land a ranged Electric-type move. The best counters I could think of would be to weaken the blow by flinging the cave's mud everywhere or to avoid it with Detect. Either way, the remaining charge left on Sela wouldn't immediately dissipate, and we may be able to follow up the attack with a more damaging (or more successful) attempt.

 

BP3 (Vs Mienfoo)

*~~~~~~~~~*

Sela begins to psych herself up, attempting to copy whatever stat boosts Mienfoo had managed to snag during this battle. Once complete, Mienfoo looks absolutely furious-not only was her opponent toying with her, but it managed to mimic her actions as well. The Mienfoo calls out taunts to the Gardevoir, deriding her actions and daring Sela to attack using her full power.

As if to answer the Taunt, Sela fires off a Charge Beam. The electrical attack crackles through the air and crashes into Mienfoo, sending the Fighting-type reeling. She manages to get back to her feet though, and after performing a small flip the Pokemon lands an unavoidable Aerial Ace attack.

*~~~~~~~~~*

Pokemon Stats:

Mild Female Gardevoir: 68%, SATK+2, SDFN+1, ATK+2, TNT-1 used Psych Up, Charge Beam

??? Female Mienfoo: 46% BRN, CON, SATK+1, SDFN+1, ATK+2 used Taunt, Aerial Ace

*~~~~~~~~~*

Trainer Stats:

Name: Siless, @Siless;

Location: Mt. Oktori

Area Effects: Event

2 Encounters Remaining

Pokemon Encountered: Shelgon, Smoochum, Mienfoo Pokemon Captured: Female Bold Smoochum (45%)

CC since last Encounter: 6,304/15,000

Pokemon Statistics:

Pokemon: Sela (Gardevoir) (86%)

Gender: Female

Nature: Mild

Ability: Trace

Extra Moves: Hidden Power Fire, Thunderbolt, Destiny Bond, Shadow Ball, Focus Blast, Swagger, Attract, Skill Swap, Protect, Rain Dance, Grass Knot, Charge Beam, Light Screen, Taunt, Safeguard, Snatch, Torment, Toxic, Flash, Thunder Wave, Reflect, Psych Up, Heal Bell, Will-o-Wisp, Icy Wind, Substitute, Signal Beam, Encore, Mean Look, Telekinesis, Shadow Sneak, Hyper Voice, Helping Hand, Magic Coat, Magic Room, Wonder Room, Mimic

Total Items:

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

*~~~~~~~~~*

 

Sela managed to convince herself she had the same improvements as Mienfoo. From the looks of it, I'd say even better, as she wasn't raging out of her head. The Fighting-type didn't like that one bit, however, and it began shouting at Sela. The words seemed to be disrupting her concentration, filling her with a lesser rage than the one already in Mienfoo. With the Taunt, we lacked access to purely strategic attacks, but we already had a considerable strategic advantage with the burn we placed at the start of the battle. Still, we weren't completely without strategic elements; Sela's Charge Beam attack, for instance, was able to reinforce the power of her attacks.

The electricity from the charged shot pulsed through Sela's arms, and she took careful aim to make sure and hit the Weasel-Martial-Artist. Suddenly, the bolts arced across the cave, striking Mienfoo and forcing it down. Mienfoo stood right back up, however, and charged at Sela, landing an extremely accurate cut on her chest. Sela backed off from the blow, but she still retained a good amount of the electrical charge from her own attack. It wasn't of much use in itself, but the charge could be used to enhance her other attacks further.


Though Sela has backed off considerably, the gap wasn't anywhere near as large as it was before. I didn't really want to use a strong attack to force distance, however, as Mienfoo was starting to get tired. At the same time, I didn't want to use Confusion for the same purpose as before without doing something that Mienfoo wouldn't be able to predict. I started to look for something I could take advantage of, and it wasn't long before I thought of something.

The battlefield was a cave. There were a few branches off of the 'room' we were in, but overall if you thought of 'cave' this place would be what you think of. There were rocks, not a lot of light (though Sela's electrical pulses brightened things up significantly more than things were prior), shadows stretching along the length of the cave, and the two Pokémon battling each other.

"Sela, startle the Mienfoo with your Shadow Sneak!"

Shadow Sneak was one of the few physical moves available to a Gardevoir, and the Ralts evolutionary family were the only Psychic-type Pokémon able to learn the move. I figured the combination of this would catch Mienfoo off-guard with it not expecting a haunting physical move from the Psychic-type. in addition, Sela had the fighting energies from the Swagger on Mienfoo that she had hypnotized onto herself, so even though she was using her weaker physical attack, the damage would be... reasonable, I suppose. Honestly, I don't think either one of us expected it to do too much damage, but it was the best choice to really catch the Mienfoo off guard, which is what I wanted.

Sela's shadow stretched and widened several times before finally splitting, releasing several dark tendrils that scattered into the other shadows of the cave. The shadows themselves seemed poised to strike, ready to strike, latch themselves onto Mienfoo, whatever they must do to distract the Fighting-type. They couldn't benefit from the electrical remnants of Sela's Charge Beam, though at least it did provide enough light to make considerable shadows off of the combatants, making more hiding places for Sela's attack.

 

BP3 (Vs Mienfoo)

*~~~~~~~~~*

Sela uses the shadows to her advantage, causing dark tendrils to creep up from behind Mienfoo and smack the Fighting-type from behind. Mienfoo cries out in surprise, but manages to keep her footing and stay in the fight.

The sneaky attack, unsurprisingly, makes Mienfoo leery from attempting more close-up techniques. Backing up a bit, the Martial Arts Pokemon holds her palms together and unleashes an Aura Sphere attack on Sela.

*~~~~~~~~~*

Pokemon Stats:

Mild Female Gardevoir: 60%, SATK+2, SDFN+1, ATK+2, TNT-2 used Shadow Sneak

??? Female Mienfoo: 34% BRN, SATK+1, SDFN+1, ATK+2 used Aura Sphere

*~~~~~~~~~*

Trainer Stats:

Name: Siless, @Siless;

Location: Mt. Oktori

Area Effects: Event

2 Encounters Remaining

Pokemon Encountered: Shelgon, Smoochum, Mienfoo

Pokemon Captured: Female Bold Smoochum (45%)

CC since last Encounter: 9,624/15,000

Pokemon Statistics:

Pokemon: Sela (Gardevoir) (86%)

Gender: Female

Nature: Mild

Ability: Trace

Extra Moves: Hidden Power Fire, Thunderbolt, Destiny Bond, Shadow Ball, Focus Blast, Swagger, Attract, Skill Swap, Protect, Rain Dance, Grass Knot, Charge Beam, Light Screen, Taunt, Safeguard, Snatch, Torment, Toxic, Flash, Thunder Wave, Reflect, Psych Up, Heal Bell, Will-o-Wisp, Icy Wind, Substitute, Signal Beam, Encore, Mean Look, Telekinesis, Shadow Sneak, Hyper Voice, Helping Hand, Magic Coat, Magic Room, Wonder Room, Mimic

Total Items:

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

*~~~~~~~~~*

 

Mienfoo watched Sela, cautious of any attacks that may come from her its way, but it couldn't watch all avenues of attack. While focusing on Sela, the Fighting-type couldn't watch the twisting of the shadows of the cave as tendrils of darkness twisted out from them. Without warning, Sela's Shadow Sneak struck out at the Mienfoo, striking both the Fighting-type and its shadow with the remnants of Sela's shadow, before reforming back under Sela where it belonged. Mienfoo seemed a bit startled by the ordeal, and it seemed hesitant to approach. Instead, Mienfoo charged up a ball of aura energy in its hands and launched the glowing blue orb directly at Sela. The Gardevoir took a direct hit, and though the damage from the move wasn't bad (thanks to her resistance to Fighting-type attacks), it still did a bit more than what was comfortable. Ideally, there wouldn't be too much fighting after this, but not only did we have to capture Mienfoo, we had to work with two more encounters that we may not be able to (or may not want to) run from. Sela had a lot more fight in her if it was necessary, though I much preferred to not push it too far.

Mienfoo seemed to be getting tired. There was no doubt that the battle had taken a lot out of it, but the weasel-like Pokémon still had enough fight in it to resist being captured. The burn Sela inflicted at the start of the battle had dealt a lot of damage and it was capable of dealing much more, but we would need to attack at least once more to reduce Mienfoo's stamina enough for a capture in any reasonable amount of time. At the same time, Mienfoo couldn't take too much more. One strong attack could knock it unconscious, and the Park Balls' fail-safe mechanisms prevented a capture on a target that's knocked out. It was perfectly fine with me (I could imagine Trainers going through and leaving a trail of beaten Pokémon in their wake trying to grab whatever was the strongest with little actual effort in the capture...) though in the immediate sense it made dealing with Mienfoo more difficult.

Mienfoo had built up its defenses against Sela's Special attacks earlier, but Sela's own mental strength was reinforced even further. Mienfoo would be wary of another Shadow Sneak attack, and Sela had no other physical moves in her standard arsenal. I could have had her attempt to punch her opponent to keep the damage low, but that would leave her open to a physical onslaught. The best option seemed to be a weak Special attack; Sela would be able to pierce Mienfoo's heightened mental focus, while the damage wouldn't be enough for Mienfoo to fall to the recurring damage of the burn. We had a few options to choose from; Sela's Hidden Power, while not exactly weak, would complement the burn without intensifying it too much, Magical Leaf had a bit less power while being incredibly accurate, and Hyper Voice would most likely startle the Mienfoo some more, coming from Sela. While Confusion was normally weaker than all of these attacks, its type advantage over Mienfoo gave it far more strength against it than I was comfortable using.

"Sela, we're almost done! Slow Mienfoo down with an Icy Wind!"

Icy Wind was a gust of cold breath, blown air, or anything similar from the user, and in Sela's case it most resembled a breath attack. A burst of cold air emanated from her mouth, usually enlarged by her psychic abilities. Looking at it optimistically, Mienfoo's muscles could seize with the cold, allowing me to throw a ball and capture it before any chance of a counterattack.

...Yeah, I already knew that wasn't going to happen. I had already fallen into the optimism trap once this run, and I wasn't about to again. It was far more likely Mienfoo would just be slowed by the chill, and it would probably be able to get its attack off somewhat easily as I went for a capture. Still, all I really needed was for Icy Wind to hit. Anything that happened as a result of it was just a bonus.

I rummaged through the contest pack, removing the second of three Park Balls (and noting where the Energy Powders were. Sela preferred Super Potions by far, but the herbal remedies were cheaper for the park. We didn't particularly like it, but at least I could get her something later to wipe the taste out. Much harder to do with actual damage than with just the bitter taste of the powder). I gripped the camouflaged ball, ready to throw. If I were to attempt to capture on this move, than I would have to do it as soon as Icy Wind hit, with the hit and the resulting slowing making Mienfoo a far easier target. At this point, I may just have to attempt a capture even if Icy Wind misses; I had four more attempts after this one if it fails, and I didn't plan on having another capture after this. It certainly was possible, but Mienfoo was far better than I had expected to get, and I couldn't really think of anything I preferred.

Sela focused herself, and before her attack even started I could feel a chill move through the cave. It almost felt as though a gust from a blizzard was making its way down the caverns, though it was clearly sunny not five minutes ago. Sela's breath became visible, appearing as a small puff of white that proceeded to stretch out in front of her; as the breath widened, it started shining, ice crystals catching what little light there was in the cave. I almost wished I had brought my winter coat, though all I could do instead was grip my Park Ball and wait for the attack to end, ready to throw at Mienfoo as soon as I got a clear shot.

 

BP4 (Vs Mienfoo)

*~~~~~~~~~*

Sela manages to gather the cold air around the area, the effect causing a chilling breeze to surround her form. Moments later she unleashes the Icy Wind on Mienfoo, icy rimes coating the Pokemon's body. While this hinders her movement, Mienfoo gets revenge by spitting out a stream of stars at the Gardevoir.

With Sela's attack completed, you toss your second Parkball forward. The sphere sucks in the Fighting-type, and wobbles twice before finally becoming still. As you pick up the Parkball, a decision must be made; leave now, or stay until the end?

*~~~~~~~~~*

Pokemon Stats:

Mild Female Gardevoir: 54%, SATK+2, SDFN+1, ATK+2, TNT-2 used Icy Wind

??? Female Mienfoo: 19% BRN, SATK+1, SDFN+1, ATK+2, SPD-1 used Swift

*~~~~~~~~~*

Trainer Stats:

Name: Siless, @Siless;

Location: Mt. Oktori

Area Effects: Event

2 Encounters Remaining

Pokemon Encountered: Shelgon, Smoochum, Mienfoo

Pokemon Captured: Female Bold Smoochum (45%), Female Lonely Mienfoo (19%)

CC since last Encounter: 0

Pokemon Statistics:

Pokemon: Sela (Gardevoir) (86%)

Gender: Female

Nature: Mild

Ability: Trace

Extra Moves: Hidden Power Fire, Thunderbolt, Destiny Bond, Shadow Ball, Focus Blast, Swagger, Attract, Skill Swap, Protect, Rain Dance, Grass Knot, Charge Beam, Light Screen, Taunt, Safeguard, Snatch, Torment, Toxic, Flash, Thunder Wave, Reflect, Psych Up, Heal Bell, Will-o-Wisp, Icy Wind, Substitute, Signal Beam, Encore, Mean Look, Telekinesis, Shadow Sneak, Hyper Voice, Helping Hand, Magic Coat, Magic Room, Wonder Room, Mimic

Total Items:

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

*~~~~~~~~~*

 

I grabbed the first Energy Powder from my pack and gave it to Sela. She could take it at her own pace, I didn't want to force it down her throat. I didn't intend to fight anymore, but that didn't mean whatever we encountered didn't have the same hope for end-of-run pacifism, so Sela needed to be in top shape.


When she finished the powdery medicine, I looked a bit into the cave, seeing if there were any more Pokémon ready to spring on us before leaving. I hoped whatever we came across would just let us by so we could finish the contest, but that involved finding things first. If we came across nothing soon, we were going to leave the cave; with Mienfoo secured, there wasn't too much more reason to fight in the caverns over outside, though it was still worth a check to see what's around at least.

 

NBP

*~~~~~~~~~*

Before moving on, you give Sela one of the EnergyPowders from your basket. While the Gardevoir looks disgusted as she imbibes the bitter medicine, the injuries from her previous battles fade away entirely. With that out of the way, you enter one of the tunnels and decide to look around a bit more.

While the transition to the next cavern is relatively uneventful, there is a loud thudding sound as you enter the room. A Gurdurr is currently training with its weapon, banging the steel object against a large stalagmite jutting out of the ground. For the moment, it is completely absorbed with its work.

*~~~~~~~~~*

Trainer Stats:

Name: Siless, @Siless;

Location: Mt. Oktori

Area Effects: Event

1 Encounter Remaining

Pokemon Encountered: Shelgon, Smoochum, Mienfoo, Gurdurr

Pokemon Captured: Female Bold Smoochum (45%), Female Lonely Mienfoo (19%)

CC since last Encounter: 0

Pokemon Statistics:

Pokemon: Sela (Gardevoir) (86%)

Gender: Female

Nature: Mild

Ability: Trace

Extra Moves: Hidden Power Fire, Thunderbolt, Destiny Bond, Shadow Ball, Focus Blast, Swagger, Attract, Skill Swap, Protect, Rain Dance, Grass Knot, Charge Beam, Light Screen, Taunt, Safeguard, Snatch, Torment, Toxic, Flash, Thunder Wave, Reflect, Psych Up, Heal Bell, Will-o-Wisp, Icy Wind, Substitute, Signal Beam, Encore, Mean Look, Telekinesis, Shadow Sneak, Hyper Voice, Helping Hand, Magic Coat, Magic Room, Wonder Room, Mimic

Total Items:

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

*~~~~~~~~~*

 

A large Pokémon, Fighting-type similar to the Mienfoo we just captured, but significantly bulkier, stood in the cavern. It was banging a long, steel girder against a pillar of rock, seemingly training in its own use of a weapon. Each swing caused a loud thud to echo throughout the cave, and the more I heard, the more I didn't want to hang out in the area. I motioned to Sela to back off, thinking that we should let the muscular Pokémon practice on its own and not interfere. I really didn't want Sela (or myself) to be taking a steel beam in the back of the head for annoying the training Pokémon.