Rowan Branchers

_____

Route A

… Dwebble, huh. It's a rock-type. A beginner's worst nightmare. So commonplace, yet so hard to defeat with basic moves. To think they'd face such an adversary already...

'Rock-type... Normal moves are ineffective. Would be really good if either Purrloin or Kira knew a Dark or a Psychic move right now.' He commented, looking at his Pokédex. He knew Purrloin didn't, and he suspected that neither did Kira.

'RRRLOIN!' His attention was brought back to the fight as he heard Purrloin's attack-shout. He blinked in stunned surprise as he saw Purrloin jumping and slicing the opponent trainer's shoes and pants with her claws, landing with a smug grin.

'That's what “Assist” does!?' Rowan whispered in an agitated voice, staring wide-eyed in surprise at Purrloin's action. Th-that wasn't his intention...! I-if that's so, then he'll REALLY needed to save it for just desperate occasions...! Okay, ”Assist” meant attacking the enemy trainer. Got to remember that.

The birth of a new, unintended secret attack phrase between Rowan and Purrloin.

'... ROIN! … And of course, Purrloin got a boot in the face for her troubles. Rowan twitched from the imagined pain, seeing his Pokémon actually get kicked back. He also got kind of pale with the trainer's threat. H-he can't do that. Okay, if they lose, he'd just grab Purrloin and run. … How's Purrloin?

Purrloin actually handled herself rather well, quickly getting back on her feet in front of Rowan with an even more annoyed look in her eyes, glaring at the trainer.

'... Alright. Purrloin, you're okay, right?' Rowan asked, and got an angry glare in return. Purrloin proceeded to look forward again as Rowan fumbled with his words.

'O-okay, got it! Look, Lulu's in danger! She's got the worst type match-up possible! When the Dwebble uses Rock Blast again, I want you to intercept and scratch the rocks out of the way so they don't hit Lulu!' … In reply to his words, Purrloin directed back at him an extremely tired and annoyed-looking stare.

'... Purr... loin?' ”You want me... to scratch large high-velocity projectile rocks...?”

'Okay, okay! Stupid idea!' Rowan waved his hands in front of him as if to fend off the look. Even if he didn't exactly understand what she said, Rowan did understand her tone and expression.

'Then don't let it use Rock Blast at all! Run close and use your speed to keep close to it at all times, and when it dares show its face, scratch it! That part GOT to be more vulnerable!' Purrloin nodded in satisfaction and turned to dash, but Rowan had something to add.

'But... if the Dwebble does manage to shoot Rock Blast at Lulu... try to take it. You can take a Rock-type blow far better than she can. Please. Rowan felt uncomfortable with his own sentence. He was asking his Pokémon to hurt herself in place for an ally. Purrloin threw an analysing look back at him...

'Purr, purr-purrloin!' ”Okay, but I'm expecting ample reward afterwards!” Purrloin declared, before she dashed off towards the Dwebble, intending on executing Rowan's strategy of keeping close and waiting for the opportunity to scratch Dwebble's face while looking out for Rock Blasts.

'Alright! Let's do this!' Rowan declared, reasonably excited, clutching his fists and looking after Purrloin. He hadn't caught that Purrloin wanted a reward after, but she sounded positive and had ran off!

… Of course, their little talk had taken so long, they were with all likelihood too late to influence any current strategies in play. They'd just have to adapt to the scene as they arrived to it.

Oh, Mara was taking clues from Purrloin and directed attacks at the trainer. Rowan did not know her thoughts, so that's what it felt like. Okay. If they ask, he'll just have to explain. Hahaha...

________


Key Items: Dogwood Pokédex
Items: 1 Potion, 1 Dogwood Ball
678 P

Well, that didn't end well.

Arren watched as the Budew ended up hitting both Poochyena and Machop. She could understand how it happened, it didn't stop her from being mad about it though. The battle could have gone her way if she just had more time, but no. Her Poochyena had to be taken out by someone who was on her team for the battle.

It would have been one thing if Machop had taken it out. It is a little different though, since Budew ended up knocking it out.

She pulled out her pokeball, and pointed it at Poochyena. "Nice try Poochyena," she said as she called it back.

There wasn't much she could do, and there wasn't much that the Budew could do either, or the Magikarp for that matter. The Budew was once again on its back, and Vuduin wasn't likely going to help it up this time after what the sailors said. The Magikarp was better off, but not by much. It was sitting on Budew hitting it in the face.

Well, hope this ends well for Vuduin. In the meantime, I'm just going to come up with a rant I can use to yell at him for knocking out Poochyena.



Location: Gleampier
Team

LEVEL: 5 ABILITY: QUICK FEET
MOVES: TACKLE, HOWL

Bag:
Palm Pokédex
Potion x1
Palm Ball x1
500 P (Pokédollars)

@hatakekuro

With a watchful eye, Dwebble was annoyed that somehow, Yanma didn't fall on the first shot. Either way, it was coming back with the exact same attack and a slightly lower angle, yet somehow even faster. With furious snapping of it's claws, it tried to scare the approaching Yanma. Failing that, it looked to it's trainer for an idea of how to respond.

@Morose

Unlucky for Dwebble, Charley had his own problems. Just as he got rid of one cat, another was giving him the evil eye. He felt a chill go down his spine, like the gates of hell were being held back by this small devil cat. Forcing himself to look away, he was slow to notice the Yanma approaching quickly.

Normally, he would have suspected something was up if it wasn't for Espurr shaking him up so badly. Worry showed on his face as he barked out an order "Take the hit and end that bug with another Rock Blast" His words weren't needed, seeing as it was the exact same command.

With a nod, Dwebble retreated into it's shell and braced for impact. Unlike last time, Yanma was seeking to separate him from his shell. Anger showed on it's face at the idea of anything trying to separate him from his shell. This emotion was short lived as he was swiftly raised into the air. Considering the speed and angle of Yanma's attack, there was only one place Dwebble was about to go. Charlie watched in horror as Dwebble was about to be tossed into the rapids below. He screamed "Before you go over the edge. Ditch the rock, I'll find you another one later, I promise."

Dwebble realized he was about to go over the edge and had to make a split second decision. With a reluctant sigh, he bailed on his shell. If you looked carefully, you would swear Dwebble was crying at this loss, not that it lasted long.

-Dwebble Has Become Homeless-

With renewed anger, Dwebble threw more rocks, looking to hit the bug into the rapids with it's precious shell. Yanma's ability to dodge was hampered by the extra weight of Dwebble's rock albeit only for a few seconds. Yanma was not unaware of this attack, due to it's 360 degree vision. Unfortunately, it was once again at point blank from it's improvised eviction. If this hit, it was looking to be the end of Yanma, and possibly a swim with the fishes.

-Dwebble Used Rock Blast-

@PlatinumSkink

It was looking to be checkmate for Yanma, as Charley was already gloating. "I hope you like your bug squashed and waterlogged. You should have just paid the toll, now I see I get the honor of watching this pathetic Pokemon fall to it's death. That shell will be added to your debt as well. Maybe I'll just take the remaining two Pokemon." He was laughing, ready to show why he was so much stronger than them. His torn clothes flapping in the wind, and an arrogant look on his face.

Off in the distance, Purrloin had a pep talk with Rowan. This speech unfortunately occupied precious time they could have been used to help Yanma out. Rowan's Pokedex has already done the damage though, as now Charley's Dwebble lost it's greatest defense. However, without it's shell, it has gained quite a bit of speed. As the trainers will soon find out. Despite it's dual type, without the rock on it's back, it was now considered a Bug type alone.

Inventory:
??? Pokedollars

Pokemon:
Dwebble

Tesh staggered back at the possible sign of an Oddish infestation, but quickly disregarded the thought and darted his head towards Kaz. His meowth was still prepared for the Zigzagoon though, swinging its curled tail from side to side as the quick little bastard darted towards him. Tesh thought for a split second that this pokemon might've been worth his time after all. Maybe he could use a Zigzagoon. He was rather fond of its evolved counterpart, after all. But unfortunately, for everything that a Linoone offered, a Persian offered something better.

"As I said," Tesh started, clenching his fists. Kaz lowered his head and prepared to push off as the Zigzagoon bounced several feet away. As it was landing on Meowth's right, Kaz shifted his body to the right as well, and waited. The meowth's heartbeat roared in his ears as he waited for the perfect moment, or what he'd thought was the perfect moment. But when the Zigzagoon bounded towards him again, Kaz froze up. It was unexpected, but also the correct move. Half a second later, Kaz heard something overcome the thumping in his ears as the Zigzagoon was nearly a foot off the ground. Something clicked in his head and Kaz darted to the right, stopping hard on his front foot with the tiny hop. Her turned towards the Zigzagoon while it was still airborne, with his claws at the ready. Kaz jumped forwards, body extended like a shimmering arrow as he aimed to slice at the Zigzagoon's exposed underbelly with a technical strike. The normally weak scratch attack looked as it it was almost as powerful as a Sandshrew's slash in Kaz's moment of offense. Such finesse and accuracy was befuddling to behold. But did it hit?

Meowth landed on the opposite side of the zigzagoon regardless, using its exceptional feline balance to spin around 180 degrees quickly and witness the results of his attack. If it were successful in weakening the target, he would use his teeth to viciously subdue the Zigzagoon until it was fainted. Something reverberated in Meowth's memory before this, though. What had corrected his timing? What made his strike as accurate as it was?

_"Scratch..."

A voice he'd mistrusted at first,

_"Scratch!"

It was one he now allowed to command his hand,

_{"Scratch, now!"}

The voice of his Trainer,

"Scratch, Now!"

Tesh Yama.

~Lynn Haywood~

At first, Lynn was less than impressed by Quills seeming disobedience. She cursed under her breath. From their first battle earlier, she had assumed that Quill was gonna be an obedient little pokemon. Yet now, here she was doing the exact opposite of attacking. Which was obviously not attacking. No flaw in her logic at all, nope. However, as soon as the Pancham slammed head first into the tree with a solid 'THUNK' Lynn simply stared for a few seconds as the pokemon flailed on the ground.

"Huh..." She tilted her head in slight confusion, looking at Quill who seemed pleased with the outcome of events. The Sneasel was looking smug, polishing one of its claws on its fur as she eyed the Pancham carefully, waiting for its next move. Well whatever just happened, that was certainly one way to go about injuring a pokemon. She supposed using the terrain around her was good enough as any attack. She'd have to try and remember that later.

For now, that Pancham was gonna be hers.

"Right then," She smirked, reaching into her pocket and pulling out a pokeball. She was pretty sure this was how you were supposed to catch a pokemon. First, weaken or stun it, and she was pretty certain it was definitely stunned. Second, throw one of these balls at it. Third, profit. So she did exactly that. She tossed the ball right at Pancham, unintentionally aiming the ball right at the bump on its head.

Quill simply stood by, waiting for the Pancham to either be caught, the ball to miss its target, or for the capture to fail.

---

Abigail Lowe

Abigail held back a giggle as the Pidgey's feathers tickled her hand, its beak pushing the button on the Pokeball. As the ball clicked shut, she let out a cheer, jumping for joy a little before she checked her Pokedex. So Pidgey was a girl, huh? And she was pretty small, even for a Tiny Bird Pokemon according to the device.

But hey, they had a new teammate! "Isn't this great, Waffles? Um, Waffles?" she exclaimed, looking at him, but she was met with frosty silence from the Deerling, who glared at her. Had she done something wrong? She really couldn't think of anything. She looked at him for a moment, and a slow smirk crossed her face. "Oh, I get it! You're jealous, aren't you!"

Eyes widening in shock, Waffles let out a series of flustered-sounding cries to try and deny the accusation. This only caused Abigail's grin to get wider. "No way, I'm right! You're totally jealous!" she laughed, much to the Deerling's irritation. With an annoyed sniff, he turned his nose up and faced away from his trainer, who stared awkwardly. Maybe she shouldn't have teased him, but come on! He was being really oversensitive about this.

Looking at her Pokedex again, she realised that she hadn't typed in a name for the Pidgey. She hadn't really thought ahead, so she just typed in the first thing that came into her head. Sadly, most of her thoughts were on sweets as normal, so the first name she could think of was 'Cookie'. It was probably slightly better than Waffles, to be fair. At least as far as he was concerned, looking even more offended as he heard his trainer muttered the name as she typed it in.

Once she'd entered the name and confirmed it, she sent her new friend back out with a smile. "Welcome to the team, Cookie!" she exclaimed, shooting a glance at Waffles who pointedly refused to say anything. Cookie, on the other hand, seemed to have different things on her mind, going straight for Abigail's pocket. "H-hey! I need that candy! You can have one, okay? You too, Waffles." she said, trying to placate the two Pokemon. Waffles accepted the offer, but maintained an offended expression. Was he trying to guilt-trip her or something?

Abigail sighed, Cookie flying up and perching on her head with a candy in her mouth. She looked around for her companions. Lynn had disappeared into the woods somewhere, so Abigail wasn't even sure she'd find her if she headed in there. Tesh was still on the path though, so she decided to go over and see how he was doing. As she approached, she saw that his Meowth was battling a Zigzagoon, and it seemed to be pretty intense. Well, for low-level Pokemon, anyway.

Making a sensible decision - for once - she decided not to yell anything in case it distracted his Meowth from the battle. She did do her best to catch Tesh's eye, giving him a wide grin and a childish thumbs up from where she was standing. She then watched the battle with interest, eyes following the Meowth as he attacked the Zigzagoon.

She was never gonna get tired of watching battles in real life, she could already tell! Even beginner ones like this were totally cool to see in person! Although, now that she remembered, you got money for registering wild Pokemon in the Pokedex, right? While watching the battle, she decided to register the Zigzagoon. It wasn't breaking any rules just 'cause it wasn't her battling it. At least, that was what she figured.

---

Pokedollars: 800

@Pikmin Eye@Morose@PlatinumSkink

SUZUKI YASHA

Pokedollars: 500



Team: Lulu the Yanma
Level 7
Moves: Tackle, Foresight, Quick Attack
Status: Normal


No, oh Arceus above no! The excitement of a plan working soon turned into horror as a barrage of rocks flew towards Lulu. It was only a split second command though this should save her from drowning in the river. "Turn and use the shell as a shield!" Yasha yelled out desperately to his pokemon and perhaps his Yanma's excellent ability of flight that she was able to turn around in time and with the rock shell in hand, er, legs, she took each blow. It wasn't until after the fifth rock that the rock shell had broken into bits and the force had knocked her back.

Lulu was much weaker and Yasha knew that she was going to be out for the count soon. Gritting his teeth, with a resigned he yelled out, "Lulu get back here! You're done with this battle!" The dragonfly pokemon flew over towards Yasha and then crashed on top of him, knocking Yasha onto his back. "Dammit, I'm so sorry Lulu...Please get some rest." He held his injurged pokemon and returned her back to her pokeball.

Yasha stood up and glared at the mystery man. His blue eyes were now fierce at this man gloating, his white wild hair made him seem more beastly than the sweet child that the other two met before. "Rowan, Mara...Please win this battle." He asked them with a forced whisper, trying to hold back his frustration.

@hatakekuro

~ACQUIRED 100 P FOR ENTRY: TAILLOW!~

@Morose

The Pokédex entry sounded like a digitalized, enthusiastic Professor Dogwood. It contrasted your sarcasm more and more with every upbeat word it produced.

~TAILLOW, THE TINY SWALLOW POKéMON. IT HAS A GUTSY SPIRIT THAT MAKES IT BRAVELY TAKE ON TOUGH FOES. IT FLIES IN SEARCH OF WARM CLIMATES.~

~ACQUIRED 100 P FOR ENTRY: TAILLOW!~



@Lasrever

The Pokédex's black background lit up with words of bright blue. They were vocalized by what sounded like Professor Ficus, but in 8-bit fashion. She was much less intimidating when reading off Pokémon descriptions and giving out money.

~IT WALKS IN ZIGZAG FASHION. IT IS GOOD AT FINDING ITEMS IN THE GRASS AND EVEN IN THE GROUND~

~ACQUIRED 100 P FOR ENTRY: ZIGZAGOON!~

Mara Scelus

@Pikmin Eye @Morose @PlatinumSkink

"Rowan, Mara...Please win this battle." Yasha whispered, his frustration incredibly evident. Mara nodded coolly at him, desperate to come up with some sort of strategy.

Okay, let's go over the facts...
Dwebble has no shell. It's incredibly sensitive and hostile. It loves that shell...

...Perhaps more than it loves its trainer?

"Dwebble! I can get you a rock now! Your trainer doesn't care--he told you to throw it off!" Mara shouted, trying her best to look like a dwebble's ideal friend--however that may appear... Smiling at the pokemon, she hoped that it had some notion of what she was saying. She never heard of a pokemon betraying its trainer before, but...it had to be possible, no?

Biting her lip, she then glanced over at Rowan. Purrloin looked a little hurt, while Kira had only been making scary faces the majority of the time. And while it was unorthodox, the real issue here was with Charley--and not the pokemon he had made his slave.

"Kira! Use leer on the trainer again and follow up with covet on the pokeball!" Mara shouted.

It wasn't what her mother would have done, back in the day as a trainer. It wasn't what anyone would have done, she was fairly certain. And if the tactics meant she was scum just like the so called Red Hand, so be it. It was the only thing she could think of to protect her friends.

---

Location: Route A
Current Team:

• Kira the Espurr
  
  Status: N/A
  Level: 7

Inventory: Potion (1), Pokedollars (800), Dogwood Pokedex, Dogwood Ball (1)

Rowan Branchers

_____

Route A

"Rowan, Mara...Please win this battle."

'Kh...' Rowan made an annoyed and troubled sound at that he and Purrloin hadn't gotten there in time to save Lulu. However, he could make it up to him.

Mara acted first. Rowan blinked a little at her strategy. That... that wasn't something Rowan would have thought of, and neither was it something he'd expect would work. However, IF it was something that could work, it was in his best interest not to attack the Dwebble right now. He was pretty sure the Pokémon and Trainer had a particular connection, but...

'Purrloin! Don't take initiative! Watch the opponent's moves, and do your best to dodge any attack aimed at you, and counter-attack as it pulls back! If the opponent attacks Kira, intercept with a scratch!'

'Rrloin!' Purrloin acknowledged, kind of amused by Mara's tactic, and jumped to place herself so she was in a better position to possibly intercept an attack while not actually being in the actual route towards Kira, herself graceful and ready to analyse an enemy attack to dodge or intercept. Alright, Rowan thought. Now, if Dwebble was actually swayed, Purrloin didn't need to do anything. Rowan turned to Yasha with a smile.

'Don't worry, we got this! All thanks to you and Lulu! Without its shell, Dwebble is just a bu-' BUG. Rowan's expression suddenly paled, his eyes widening in worry upon realizing. Both Purrloin and Kira were weak to BUG. This BUG was super-effective against every single one of the three trainers' Pokémon. This... this BUG...!

This was the second time in a row that Purrloin had to face a BUG. If this journey was to continue, Rowan would have to find a counter other than Purrloin to face BUGs. What Purrloin was weak to, was BUG and Fighting... To counter those...

I need a bird.

With that, Rowan spun around on the spot and focused his eyes intently on point 1A where there could still possibly be a Taillow around him right now. They had gutsy spirits and were brave Pokémon, right? One could possibly have come close by being attracted by the intense battle with intention of watching and maybe dreaming of being part of it, right!?

________


Key Items: Dogwood Pokédex
Items: 1 Potion, 1 Dogwood Ball
678 P

@hatakekuro

As the rocks flew at Yanma, the dragonfly in a desperate move used Dwebble's shell to absorb as many shots as possible. The shell broke from impact after impact, bringing Yanma close to collapse. However, it managed to glide back to it's trainer in time. With a red beam of light it was recalled. The trainer dropped his cheerful attitude, in a silent whisper begging his team to pull together and win.

-Yamna Is Unable To Battle-

Dwebble was still angry over the loss of it's shell, especially by it's own attack. Without it's shell,you noticed it had a short hooked tail exposed. Despite Yanma failing, perhaps he evened the odds to take down this rock less Pokemon. Charley continued to laugh, mocking them by saying "Aw, I was hoping the thing would fall over the edge. Oh well, only two cats left. Wonder which one should fall next? Stay right there and I'll get to you soon enough."

@Morose

While Charley was off on yet another rant, Mara was trying a new tactic. She was trying to appeal to Dwebble's feelings for his shell. It was true that he just lost his precious rock, and she was prepared to be willing to help right this wrong. A mix of emotions showed on it's face as it considered her kind words. Dwebble seemed to be calmed by these words, lowering his claws a bit in a show of gratitude.

Meanwhile, Kira was up to her old tricks, with a twist. Charley was busy pointing and laughing, until he saw Kira using Leer again. He stopped talking as he was locked in a stare down with such an innocent looking cat. Fear showed on his face as he commanded his Pokemon, "Dwebble, I'm tired of this cat. It's time to bug her in return. Let's wrap this up already". He pointed at his target expecting to hear a battle cry, instead it was quiet. He looked back to see his Pokemon lowering it's claws.

He quickly yelled at Dwebble, "Oh come on, is this over the shell? They stole and broke it, finish this and we'll find a new one." Patience running thin, he yelled again, "I gave a command. Hit that cat and finish these trainers." Dwebble looked up and gave a small nod. With surprising speed, it dashed past Espurr and instead went for Purrloin. It's claws glowing green with the warning of an attack.

Charley was mad, his Dwebble was disobeying him, at least it was attacking though. That's when Kira was approaching, for what, he didn't know. Instinctively, he backed away from this tiny Pokemon. Whatever it was, it scared him, and that meant bad news. Step after step, he backed up, anything to keep his distance. No way, these brats were going after him directly.

Kira may have been small, but it looked like a monster in his eyes. With a swift attack, it hit Charley. That looked like it hurt after two Leers, causing him to stumble back a couple steps. Kira managed to snag the Pokeball on his belt, presumably Dwebbles. He glared at the cat, another tiny football to be punted, perhaps into the river below. Like a quarterback trying to line up a field goal, he ran at Kira. The glimmer of a small object in it's hands told him what he suspected, it stole his Pokeball.

-Charley used Kick-

@PlatinumSkink

Rowan on the other hand, was looking to be on the defense. The pale look on his face told the story, he just understood how bad of an idea this fight was. It was too late now as the shell-less bug was looking to attack Purrloin. There wasn't much emotion on it's face, just the look of a Pokemon wanting this over with as soon as possible. Perhaps Mara's words made an impact, or Dwebble had his own plans. Either way, it was set on knocking out it's current opponent. Rowan realized that even one hit might knock out Purrloin, considering it was already hurt.

-Dwebble Used Fury Cutter-

Rowan scanned with his eyes, surely a Tailow was nearby. All these rocks and people yelling should draw one in. With a steel gaze, he scanned for the faintest glimmer of a bird. Eyes in the trees at a distance, unsure if they were birds or something else. Whatever they were, they were keeping their distance. Guess miracles don't happen all the time.

Inventory:
??? Pokedollars

Pokemon:
Dwebble

Mara Scelus

@Pikmin Eye @hatakekuro @PlatinumSkink

"Kira!" Mara screamed in terror, watching as her beloved pokemon was knocked back by the force of the kick. The little pokemon fell at Mara's feet, clutching onto the stolen pokeball all that he could. Gently accepting the pokeball from her, Mara glared at Charley.

"How dare you hurt him!" Mara screamed, her eyes practically dancing with flames. Truthfully, Kira was only battered from the kick, and in a way, it was fortunate that his tiny body had flown back towards Mara. Charley easily could have kicked him towards the river, had they been facing the other way in the fight.

She glanced down at the pokeball in her hand, pleading with any powers that might exist that it was indeed dwebble's. "Dwebble! Please stop attacking Purrloin! We're going to go get you a new rock right now. We won't make you destroy it, either."

Smiling at the now bug type pokemon, Mara's eyes glanced around the area, in search of suitable rock. The sooner they won the full support of the thug's pokemon, the easier it would be to clear him away from the bridge, and open it up for everyone once more. Hopefully, Rowan would keep purrloin from hurting the dwebble too much--it'd make it far more difficult to win its trust.

---

Location: Route A
Current Team:

• Kira the Espurr
  
  Status: N/A
  Level: 7

Inventory: Potion (1), Pokedollars (800), Dogwood Pokedex, Dogwood Ball (1)

Rowan Branchers

_____

Route A

No Taillows. Hindsight was 20/20.

'DODGE!' That was all he had time to scream out as Rowan span back to see Dwebble approaching at a frightening speed. Seeing the glowing green from the claws of the bug, Purrloin noted the danger herself. The previous order was overwritten. Now the only order of business was “SURVIVE”.

'... Loin!' Purrloin timed it as to jump a bit sideways from straight over the incoming Dwebble. She had a lightly worried expression, but she figured that the bug PROBABLY couldn't jump as a cat could, and even if it did it might have been too focused on attacking to intercept the target in the air.

ASSUMING Purrloin didn't fail to dodge and bit the dust (in which case the rest of this post is void) Edit: Which it apparently is. I'll do the next reaction in my next post. Purrloin would land and jump a bit away, turning her body to be able to watch her opponent's movements. If she instead took the hit but DIDN'T FAINT, she'd instead stagger back in pain, her ears folding as she felt the pain for a second, before looking the Dwebble with a hurt expression. Regardless (assuming she didn't faint), she'd take on the eyes of someone feeling extreme sadness for the opposing Pokémon, her nature of a Purrloin changing her persona to that of a kind caring girl-Pokémon that wanted to avoid fighting at all costs, her posture suddenly very non-violent and gentle. … Might actually be more effective if she took the attack... but Purrloin's too self-centred to actually take a hit for such a tactic willingly.

'… Purr-purrloin...?' “... Are you sure you aren't making a mistake...?” Purrloin asked, her voice pained and sweet.

'… Loin, purrrloin purr...' “... That girl, she could give you all the love a Pokémon could ever want...” Purrloin said, a distant wisdom present in her voice.

'… Purr, purr, purrrrrloin. Purrloin?' “... But now, instead, you're being used as a tool for a heartless trainer in order to steal her precious Pokémon. Does that feel fair to you?” Purrloin directed the question straight at Dwebble, her eyes narrowing with the potential for despise, putting the moral crossroads directly on the Pokémon.

<Purrloin used Growl! … Kinda!>

Purrloin was somewhat of a fan of Mara's strategy, but she felt that she had a unique position to forward her own attempt, with her own words. That's what a Purrloin's famous ability to assume a persona was good for, wasn't it~? … Of course, none of the humans understood her meowing.

Meanwhile, Rowan was staring wide-eyed at Purrloin, no idea what kind of command to give. Growl actually sounded like her best bet, but she seemed to use that on her own. What was he even there for? Anyways. In battle-tactics, Purrloin had to get close to use her moves, but the bug... appeared to be faster, and it was super-effective and unhurt where she was neither. It actually looked like Mara's strategy was their best bet...!? Rowan looked between Mara, Dwebble and the opposing trainer with worried eyes, waiting for the results...

________


Key Items: Dogwood Pokédex
Items: 1 Potion, 1 Dogwood Ball
678 P

@Xan the G@Eklispe @BlueSky44

The epic clash of the Broletariat versus the party had turned into a close battle. Magikarp and Budew were locked in an impromptu wrestling match. Sharp fins and agile scales slashed against the exterior of Budew, as the plant Pokémon attempted to hold off the attack with whatever movement it could muster. The Budew’s form began to glow as the Absorb was charging, ready to be executed on the flailing Magikarp. For every instant and cut and slash the Magikarp managed, the charge became slower and Budew’s focus became more difficult to hold.

Finally, though, at the apotheosis of the battle, flashing green orbs lashed out from the Budew’s form. The hovered as UFOs, sentient in their surrounding nature. They floated above the pair in a circle, Flying, they formed a ring in their trail of speed as they sucked the energy from both Budew and Magikarp. Budew was unable to target just Magikarp, and in a split second decision it had decided to forego accuracy for power. The wrestling match came to a halt as both Pokémon fell limp, spheres of color being the only moving thing left on the battlefield.

~MAGIKARP IS UNABLE TO BATTLE!~

~BUDEW IS UNABLE TO… WAIT!~

The flying orbs began to settle, their levitation failing. They floated down as a single unit, expanding to reach around the Magikarp. All at once, they returned to the form of Budew. A green flash. A beat. Budew’s eyes opened wide. The Pokémon was upon the ground, down but not out.

~HAVOC MATSUDA, ARREN MALLA, AND VUDUIN ALIMORE ARE VICTORIOUS!~

“What!?”

“Ah!”

“No way!”

@Xan the G

~HOUNDOUR HAS GROWN TO LEVEL 7!~

~YOU EARNED 200 P!~

@Eklispe

~BUDEW HAS GROWN TO LEVEL 7!~

~BUDEW LEARNED WATER SPORT!~

~YOU EARNED 200 P!~

@BlueSky44

~POOCHYENA HAS GROWN TO LEVEL 7!~

~POOCHYENA LEARNED SAND ATTACK!~

~YOU EARNED 200 P!~

(Consider yourself present for all events that are occurring. Commenting on events other than your own is completely optional, but feel free to collaborate and interact.)

@Rune_Alchemist

Pancham continued to rub the bump upon its head and kick its tiny, furry feet against the ground. It grit its teeth and grinder the stem of the acorn. Its eyes were closed, wincing in reaction to the unexpected blow. This was more than enough time for Lynn to retrieve her Ficus Ball and throw it at the distracted Pancham. Just as the Pancham had remedied its headache and began to stand, it was knocked down once again by the force of a flying Pokéball. It comically threw its head back, arms wide to either side and one leg barely holding on. Before gravity overtook the Pokémon, a red beam shot itself from the confines of the Ficus Ball. It encased Pancham in a spiral of semi-opaque energy before absorbing the Pokémon into its essence. The energy then returned to the Pokéball just as it met the ground with a soft bounce. It rolled to and fro, button flashing red with each struggle of the Pokémon.

A final hum, and the fading of red. Pancham had given in. Your Pokédex began to vibrate. Once or if you checked it, you would see dancing blue letters begin to dash across the screen.

No 674 PANCHAM
PLAYFUL POKéMON
LEVEL: 5
HT: 2’ 00”
WT: 17.6 LBS
SEX: M

NATURE: NAIVE
INCREASED STAT: SPD
DECREASED STAT: SP. DEF
FAVORITE FLAVOR: SWEET
DISLIKED FLAVOR: BITTER

ABILITY: IRON FIST (MORE POWERFUL PUNCHES)

HELD ITEM: ACORN?

YOU CAUGHT PANCHAM!

[WILL YOU GIVE PANCHAM A NAME?]

Your Pokédex said. The name indicator began to flash, awaiting your touch response.

@tex

Zigzagoon sprinted as a lightning bolt, quick and in diagonal patterns. Left. Right. Left. Right, left, right, its jagged pattern would throw off many would-be trainers both in battle and capture. Many regarded Zigzagoon as a common and less powerful Pokémon. Though, in the right hands, the raccoon-like Pokémon could defeat much harder, better, faster, stronger foes. Its impressive show was evidence of that, especially for being a wild Pokémon without trainer. Your eyes barely managed to stay on top of him. Did he ever get dizzy? The movement was so irregular, like built in, acrobatic instinct.

“Zig! Zag! Oon!”

With each bounce, the Zigzagoon was on a different side of the Meowth. Where would he end up? That question was answered quickly, as an irregular bound was taken to put the Pokémon on Kaz’s right. Powerful haunches coiled like springs, sending the Zigzagoon forward and, in its mind, past the Meowth once more to strike it in the square of the back. Headbutt, bounce away, attack once again, until the trainer’s Pokémon had fainted, that was the strategy that had worked before. Unbenknownst to the Zigzagoon, trainers were capable of more unpredictable movements than instinct.

Kaz stood still, like a stone wall. The Zigzagoon understood its disadvantage now, flailing in the air as the Meowth made its way underneath Zigzagoon and upward into a broadside position. Unable to correct its flying momentum with tiny, furry limbs, Meowth’s Scratch made full contact with the side of Zigzagoon’s body.

~A CRITICAL HIT!~

Zigzagoon hit the dirt, body rolling as an off-miler barrel. Upon its side now, the raccoon-like Pokémon’s struggling movements were visible. Its body shook, limbs nearly caving in, as the Zigzagoon went to stand back onto its feet. Its shoulders failed momentarily, body nearly hitting the road once again.

“…Zig…”

Its efforts were too slow, only to be met by the sinking fangs of Kaz into its back. The jolt of pain overtook the Zigzagoon and its legs flayed out in all directions as a small cloud of dust was sent upward. The Zigzagoon’s head cocked sideways as its chin rolled on the earth, unable to be controlled anymore. A limp body and closed eyes indicated the Zigzagoon’s defeat.

~ZIGZAGOON FAINTED!~

~KAZ HAS GROWN TO LEVEL 8!~

@Rune_Alchemist @tex @Lasrever

You ventured deeper into the woods, that separated you from the next town of Greenway. The grove of trees surrounding you became thicker and more dense as you approached near a halfway point. The tall forest cast its overwhelming canopy against the sun, patches of light dancing between shadows. There were no people about, and no Pokémon either. It was oddly… quiet. Just as the silence became uncomfortable, an intriguing individual was watching from a distance…

@Zardoric

@Morose

Charley felt satisfied with that kick, watching the small Pokemon go flying. That feeling ended when he realized it still held his Pokeball in a death grip during the short lived flight. What made it worse was realizing that Pokemon's trainer was trying to confuse Dwebble with words of hope and compassion. All this talk over a shell, guess it was pretty important to Dwebble. That thought made him realize, his lack of care is why it wasn't obeying him, and she was using it against him.

He stood there, trying to quickly come up with something to win back Dwebble's respect. All he could come up with was "Dwebble, after we beat these guys... Let's take a break to pick you out a nice, shiny new rock. So what do you say, buddy?" These words didn't sound as polite or sincere, almost like kindness wasn't natural for him. He refused to let some stranger try to turn his Pokemon against him, though.

@PlatinumSkink

Dwebble charged for Purrloin, straight as an arrow. Purrloin tried to leap over it's attacker. Without Dwebbles rock, it was much more mobile, jumping up to intercept Purrloin, managing to hit it with it's claw. Upon hitting the cat, it's claws glowed brighter, gaining power seemingly from it's opponent. A powerful hit, quickly bringing down the poor cat.

-Purrloin is Unable To Battle-

Dwebble turned towards it's last opponent, an Espurr holding a stolen Pokeball. Just one more opponent before this was over. At this point, it was clear that words won't work, something had to be done. Behind Dwebble stood the cliff, the waters rushing below. Charlie looked out and gave another command, "Last one, finish it quickly with another Fury Cutter." Despite his ruined clothing and newly forming bruises on him, somehow this just made him look more intimidating.

Few options remained for Mara, convincing it to stand down would need quick words. Perhaps Yasha had the right idea, trying to push it off the bridge. Maybe it wasn't Mara's idea, what was clear was that one hit will end this fight. Dwebble raised it's glowing claws and charged towards Kira, how will she handle this?

-Dwebble Used Fury Cutter-

Mara Scelus

@Pikmin Eye

Mara was conflicted, to say the least. The pokemon in front of her hadn't harmed her--it hadn't done anything to offend her. It merely had a despicable thug for a trainer. Clearly, Mara knew that any attack she performed on the dwebble would knock it backwards, causing it to fly off of the cliff, and drown in the river.

To be honest, the only thing Mara would want to knock into a river was Charley. "Dwebble, after we beat these guys... Let's take a break to pick you out a nice, shiny new rock. So what do you say, buddy?"

I'll let the dwebble decide its fate, Mara decided. She watched as the dwebble charged at purrloin, despite her begging for it to stop, put down its claws, and show some sense. Instead, it hit the poor purrloin, knocking her out for the count. Biting her lip, Mara looked down at espurr, seeing the pokeball.

"Last one, finish it quickly with another Fury Cutter."

The dwebble charged at Mara's beloved espurr. Frowning, Mara made up her decision. The dwebble had sealed its fate.

"Kira! Throw the pokeball over the edge into the river, and then use scratch on the dwebble!" Mara said, her heart pounding as she watched. If Kira was knocked out, she wouldn't let Charley do anything to her poor pokemon. She'd fight him herself, until she couldn't move anymore. Kira had already done it for her; it made sense for her to do it for him.

”Espurr! Espurr! Espuuurrr!” Kira shouted, tossing the pokeball with all of his might. Hopefully, it fell over the edge, and then was swept away from the river, freeing the dwebble from Charley's control.

Espurr then, without a moment's pause, scratched at dwebble with all of his might. It was his every ounce of strength, and Mara stood fast, her hands clenched, as she watched with fear--but hope. This would work. It had to.

---

Location: Route A
Current Team:

• Kira the Espurr
  
  Status: N/A
  Level: 7

Inventory: Potion (1), Pokedollars (800), Dogwood Pokedex, Dogwood Ball (1)

Rowan Branchers

_____

Route A

Purrloin apparently took a strike and fainted.

'Ah...' Rowan stared forward in a bit of disbelief, before he forced himself to raise his hand and return his Pokémon to her Pokéball. A quick glance between Mara and Dwebble confirmed it. That strategy... wasn't working. And that trainer was still bad news. They wouldn't win. Even if they threw the Pokéball into the river... that wouldn't actually make them win.

'M-Mara. You won't win.' He stuttered. 'Return Kira to his Pokéball, and let's run.' He continued, directed at both Mara and Yasha. There was no other action possible for them. The bug would easily beat Kira, and then they'd be done for anyway. All that was left was to run as quickly as possible before the other trainer did what he had promised to do.

Should Mara and Yasha comply with Rowan's latest strategy, he'd already be along with them dashing for the horizon. If not... it'd depend, and it'd be developed in the next post, but Rowan wouldn't hesitate to start running if something happened.
________


Key Items: Dogwood Pokédex
Items: 1 Potion, 1 Dogwood Ball
678 P

Havoc breathed a sigh of release when Budew woke up and stood to his fight. He put a lot on the outcome of this match. Rook's tail began to wag in the young ninja's lap because folding his eyes to sleep. Havoc wasted no time in returning Rook to his pokeball. He stared at the ball afterwards, noting that while it counted as a win, he was the first of the three of them to be rendered unable to battle. Granted he now knew he had an elemental disadvantage, and, as it turned out, Budew had both an elemental advantage and an archetypically weak foe, Havoc wasn't one for excuses and that this win would have an asterisk against it until he could competently gain a win of his own. He was the only one of the three to use his potion as well, meaning that Rook actually got hurt twice in a row at Havoc's command.

He was eager to get Rook some medical attention.

---

Location: S.S.Expedition

Current Team:

Rook the Houndour¦Status: FTD¦Level: 7

Inventory: Pokedollars (700), Palm Pokedex, Palm Ball (1)

She looked over, and let out a sigh of relief. Arren was still mad about Vuduin taking out her Poochyena, but at least he hadn't lost to a Magikarp. The Budew is barely able to stand, but that didn't really matter. It was a good battle, and everyone did a good job. She needed to get some help for her Poochyena, but she wasn't too concerned. There was bound to be someone here who could help. Arren stood back, and thought about what had happened in the match. There were a few parts that were strange to her, but it still was fun.

That could have gone better for me, but our team still won. Sure I'm still a little mad at Vuduin, probably won't talk to him for a little while, but at least his Budew didn't lose to a fish that was flopping around.

She looked over at the 3 sailors, who were standing there in disbelief at the results of the battle. They fought hard, might as well be kind about it.

"That battle was fun," she said more directed at the sailors, but speaking to everyone.



Location: Gleampier
Team

LEVEL: 7 ABILITY: QUICK FEET
MOVES: TACKLE, HOWL, SAND ATTACK

Bag:
Palm Pokédex
Potion x1
Palm Ball x1
700 P (Pokédollars)