As the pastel glow of dawn painted over Rin's shared bedroom from the high pane window on their back wall, Rin skipped over to their alarm and slammed it's off switch before a single chirp could be uttered. They'd been waiting for this. Already up, cleaned, dressed, and giddy Rin bounced away from their nightstand over to their full length mirror in the far left corner of the room. Looking themself over for the hundredth time since they'd resolved to just stay up the whole night, Rin smoothed down their hair for the umpteenth time. They rarely ever fussed over their clothes, but today was the day. The first day of their Pokémon journey. Sure, they'd haphazardly thrown whatever outfits that they first landed their eyes on into their trusty, mocha rucksack, and didn't bother packing any mementos, but that was the point. This was supposed to be new. This was supposed to be the start of the rest of their life; they couldn't have a bunch of keepsakes holding them back. Rin had already waited long enough. Apparently Kairi had had enough of them as well, for with all the grace of a Slakoth and the furry of a Primeape she flung her pillow square at the back of Rin's head. Her own head buried in her remaining pillow, which she'd stolen the night previous from Rin, she screamed, "Trying to sleep here!"

"Well I'm," Rin threw the pillow back at her, "trying to-" Rin never got to finish as Kairi had literally pounced on them in retaliation. Just a regular Mizushima morning. The rest of Rin's morning actually went by quite the same as it did every Wednesday. Dad was already at work, Yuri had already made breakfast, Kairi had already snatched the best slices of bacon, and Umi was already through her second cup of coffee before Rin came downstairs. Just a regular Mizushima morning, but nothing about it felt regular at all. With their impending departure it was, it was . . . boring! It seemed like time could still with how slow Yuri's smalltalk was, and every sip of Umi's coffee was another minuet passed not spent on the road. Another feeling pooled in their gut watching their sisters all leave out the door to head to their ealier classes that matched how Rin felt noting their father wasn't there, but Rin convinced themself it was just anticipation. Today was the day. Professor Eugene couldn't meet with them until noon, and it's not like Rin was actually going to go to school today. So after some last-last-looks, Rin figured they could pay the little brat a visit. Sure, Rin had already said their goodbyes to everyone on New Years Eve, but today was the day. 'I bet he'll be so surprised to see me,' Rin thought, picking up their rucksack and tossing on their dark red coat. 'He'll be surprised and annoying that is . . . but I'm gonna miss him.' It's not like Rin was feeling sentimental or anything. No, of course not! That'd be ridiculous! Rin's going to become a Pokémon Master! That's way cooler than this old town. 'Why do I want to memorize the smell of home so bad?' Stepping out the front door into the cool winter breeze, a frown only had the chance to creep on their lips, before splitting wide open for a smile.

"Happy Going Away, Rin," the crowd cheered in cacophonous glee! Rin's family, friends, and even Midori too were all there. All of them had been gathered outside just waiting to surprise the "totally-not-sentimental" upstart before they left on their way. Together, they spent the better half of two hours saying properly festive encouragements, and tearful goodbyes. Many slices of cake later, and one seriously suffocating group hug, and Rin was off again with renewed pep in their step. Today was the day. Seeing all of them was just what they needed to do before finally making their way to Professor Eugene's laboratory. Not bothering to take in anymore sights, or even to be polite, Rin shoved the entry way open, and announced at the top of their lungs:

"I'm Rin Mizushima, I'm going to be Primis' next Champion," bolting towards the professor at top speed as soon as he came into sight, Rin continued their screaming declaration, "and I'm here for my Pokémon!"

"I'm Rin Mizushima, I'm going to be Primis' next Champion," bolting towards the professor at top speed as soon as he came into sight, Rin continued their screaming declaration, "and I'm here for my Pokémon!"

Heads turned round as Rin busted through the doors. One assistant even dropped a beaker of a strange corrosive substance that ate away the top layer of white tile. He mumbled profanities under his breath as he began to clean up the mess.

Professor Eugine, on the other hand, wasn't surprised by the grand entrance in the least. It's not every day that trainers begin their journey, but when they do, they are usually as excited as this. His standard half smile spread comfortably across his face, "Hello there Rin, you're right on time. You seem ready to skip the formalities, so grab that backpack and Pokedex on the counter, and come join me over here."

The backpack and Pokedex both rested on a pure white counter, devoid of anything else. Inside the backpack, Rin would later find five brand new Pokeballs located within a special compartment. Professor Eugine then turned his back to Rin and booted up a computer attached to a large flat screen TV. Twenty one different Pokemon were on display (the twenty one starters currently in existence). Now all they would have to do is decide, something easier said than done.

Liz's alarm woke her up early that morning, she sat up in bed and placed her long red hair up into a bun. She walked over to her closet and chose her outfit for the big day, a pair of low hanging denim jeans that confirmed to her newly gifted hips, a dark maroon low cut shirt to match her painted nails. She did her make-up in the bathroom as she always did, and released her hair from captivity, allowing it to flow out behind her. After she was finished getting ready she went into her bedroom and packed the rest of her stuff into her backpack. Liz than went into the kitchen to whip up a final breakfast before starting her adventure, wishing her mom was able to get off to she her off.

On the countertop she found a small box, and a letter with her name on it. She opened the box and found a necklace with a trans pride flag charm attached. She began to read the letter left by her mother, fighting to hold back the tears inside.

My dearest daughter,

You have been through so many hardships in your life, I am sorry for everything you must go through in your life. I know you are a strong woman in your heart,
but even so, you must let others in else your life will be truly lonely. I love you so much, and I know you will come home Champion!! Also Professor Eugine won't be able available until noon. Make sure your not late!!

Love ever more, Ezra.

Liz, usually an ice queen, had tears welling up inside. Her mother was the only person she cared about and she was now leaving her here alone. She took in a deep shakey breath and looked at the time. It was 11:30, she left the house and made her way towards the Lab, as she walked through town she saw the people bend their heads and whisper as she walked by. This was nothing new, she was an outcast, poor and transgendered. Their words no longer hurt as they used to, now they became fuel, to be better, to rise above them and become a great pokemon master.

Liz walked into the professors lab and saw that the young person who came out as non-binary was already there, excitement oozing from their body. She walked up next to them and looked over.

"I want to thank you, if you never came out, I am sure I would never have found the strength to come out myself. I wish you luck on your travels, and hopefully when we meet next we can battle."She said to Rin.

@metamore

Liz walked into the professors lab and saw that the young person who came out as non-binary was already there, excitement oozing from their body. She walked up next to them and looked over.

"I want to thank you, if you never came out, I am sure I would never have found the strength to come out myself. I wish you luck on your travels, and hopefully when we meet next we can battle." She said to Rin.

Professor Eugine's second guest had arrived. She immediately started talking to Rin. He was fully aware of Rin's situation due to being in acquaintance with Ms. Mary. As for Liz, he didn't know anything more about her than the application she submitted. So what exactly was meant by '...the strength to come out myself.", he had no idea.

Professor Eugine was hesitant to interrupt, but at the same time, they were all here for a reason. "You must be Liz. Please grab yourself a Pokedex and custom trainer backpack from that table over there. Then you two can both join me over here." It's definitely not often that two trainers start their journey off on the same day. This was truly a special occasion.

The sizzling hum of the dissolving floor didn't even register as Rin sped to the professor, who turned his head to them with a warm smile. "Hello there Rin, you're right on time." Already having cleared the distance, Rin bounced on their heels while rushing agreements under their breath.

"Yes, yes, yes."

"You seem ready to skip the formalities, so grab that backpack and Pokedex on the counter, and-" Rin wouldn't hear the rest of what Eugene had to say as that was all they needed to get going. Whirling around, they would have got going if Rin hadn't been stopped by the awareness of a girl speaking to them.

"I want to thank you, if you never came out, I am sure I would never have found the strength to come out myself." Immediately warmth spread through Rin's chest at the compliment. If her vibrant red hair wasn't an indicator of who she was, her confession surely painted a clearer picture. Two years back there was talk of some freshman or sophomore, Rin couldn't really remeber, coming out as trans. Rin sure made a spectacle of it when they came out, but for the most part it was an overwhelmingly positive experience. So upon hearing news of her by a friend over lunch, Rin casually hoped the best for their trans sister, and put the thought out of their mind, never imagining what she actually went through. "I wish you luck on your travels, and hopefully when we meet next we can battle."

Ignoring the professor's prompting to carry on, Rin pulled the girl by the hand into a half hug. Pulling back, rather than releasing her right hand Rin shook it vigorously. Beaming wide, Rin told her, "Hey, that was all you, okay? You're stronger than you think." Rin wasn't known for humility or flattery, they really meant every word that they said. Letting go of her hand, Rin shot at her with finger guns, and stretched their grin into a smrik. "But don't get ahead of yourself, okay?" Rin teased, "I'm still going to be the first ever World Champion, and no luck will be involved." Rin winked. "Though if you want," the familar urge to compete bubbled inside of them, "we can always test who's stronger after we get our starters!"

Throughout their playful spiel, Rin had swaggered over to the counter to grab their equipment. They slung the backpack over their right shoulder before returning. Leaning over Eugene's back, both hands slammed down either side of him as Rin looked on to the wide TV monitor in front of them. Perhaps a bit too far into the man's personal bubble, but Rin was immersed entirely in the Pokémon portraits. Today they'd receive their first pokémon. It was the beginning of a whole new world for Rin, and they couldn't contain their excitement or take their eyes off of what was in front of them.

@Cerces22

... Leaning over Eugene's back, both hands slammed down either side of him as Rin looked on to the wide TV monitor in front of them. Perhaps a bit too far into the man's personal bubble, but Rin was immersed entirely in the Pokémon portraits. Today they'd receive their first pokémon. It was the beginning of a whole new world for Rin, and they couldn't contain their excitement or take their eyes off of what was in front of them.

@Cerces22

The scene between the two youths was indeed heartwarming. A soft smile crossed Prof. Eugene's face. The next generation would be in great hands.

Then suddenly, Rin planted their arms firmly on either side of the professor, then peaked over his should with one hand on the mouse. Completely straight faced, he calmly spoke, "I'm just going to leave you to it." As he said this, he smoothly squatted and shifted over two steps before raising back up.

Hearing the words of encouragement, Liz had a genuine smile, that was until they pulled her into a half hug. It took everything she had not to flinch at the sudden move. Then they shook her hand a bit to enthusiastic, she couldn't help but be caught up. Before selecting their pokemon Rin challenged Liz to a battle.

"Just so you know Rin, I graduated a year early for outstanding grades. I have been researching for months the perfect partner to start with." The professor moved out of Rin's way, affording them a clearer few of the buttons. Liz saw the pokemon she had desired and walked up to Rin, placing a hand on their arm. "While you keep looking I am just going to go ahead and select this one. That is if you don't mind??" Liz pressed the button on the pokemon of her choice. The computer prompted her if that was her decision. The young woman selected yes, and the computer made a happy chirp. A loading screen saying dispensing had appeared, and next to her a pokeball teleporter lit up. Once the light died down a pokemon rested in the machine.

"Let's meet my new partner!!" She said giddily, as she tossed the pokeball into the air. It opened with a resounding pop, a red light shot out and hit the ground. As it faded away a little red pokemon with a flaming tail stood before her. The young Chimchar looked up at it's new trainer and cocked its head in curiosity.

"Hello, little buddy, I am going to be your new trainer. What do you think of the nickname Hephaestus??" She asked the young Pokemon, Chimchar thought for a moment and than began jumping excitedly at the new name. She than turned to Rin with a crooked grin. "We will be waiting for you outside, choose wisely, else I will be champion before you." She walked out the door with Hephaestus close on her heels, a slight sway to her hips.

@metamore

"Hello, little buddy, I am going to be your new trainer. What do you think of the nickname Hephaestus??" She asked the young Pokemon, Chimchar thought for a moment and than began jumping excitedly at the new name. She than turned to Rin with a crooked grin. "We will be waiting for you outside, choose wisely, else I will be champion before you." She walked out the door with Hephaestus close on her heels, a slight sway to her hips.
@metamore

Professor Eugene leaned against a counter as he watched the two at the computer. Fond memories of receiving his first Pokemon (Snivy) came to mind. It had long since become a Serperior, but at times like these it could feel like yesterday.

Another thought came to the professor's mind. Liz had mentioned graduating with outstanding grades, which means she sure had book smarts. But choosing first? Maybe she was still lacking in street smarts. Now her rival to be could choose from seven different water type Pokemon that would clearly have the advantage over the Chimchar.

Rather than say anything out loud, the professor chose to stay silent and observe. It wasn't his place to take sides anyways.

"I'll just leave you to it." Rin's only response was slightly arching their spine to give the professor space to move. Scanning the screen, they knew they were picking Water without a ripple of doubt. All those summer nights napping on the beach, and all those summer days spent on their Aunt's ferry weren't for Rin to end up choosing Charmander after all. The trouble was which Water Type. They hadn't been keeping track of starters since they were little. 'How many even are there at this point?' Rin thought to themself. Coming over, their rival boasted her own confidence.

"Just so you know Rin, I graduated a year early for outstanding grades. I have been researching for months the perfect partner to start with." They were only able to half listen due to their enthralled state, but Rin caught the jist of it and smirked. 'Oh this is gonna be fun.' An overachiever, and an upstart. The two really were a perfect match to be rivals. Just before Rin's eyes landed on their lifelong companion, the overachiever in question walked right over to place a hand on their arm. "While you keep looking I am just going to go ahead and select this one. That is if you don't mind?" Scrolling over to the third trio from the bottom, she highlighted the Chimp Pokémon, and clicked 'Yes' as soon as it appeared on the screen. While the girl left to introduce herself to her fire type, Rin's smirk had gone full Cheshire Cat, and their smile threatened to split their face in two when they finally saw those pearly white fangs. Swiping the mouse over the second row, Rin smashed the clicker with their fist in excitement. This was it! Rin spun their head around, attention caught by the little Chimchar bouncing happily at his new name. Hephaestus. Hephaestus and . . . it hadn't occurred to Rin that they hadn't asked for the other trainer's name(and also hadn't been paying attention to Professor Eugine announce her), but this thought was quickly quelled by their rival accepting their previous challenge."We will be waiting for you outside, choose wisely, else I will be champion before you." Hearing the bright hum from beneath the monitor, Rin snatched the freshly formed Pokéball, and showed off their own toothy smile as they ran past the two into the wintery white of outisde. Throwing their pokéball not too high but way too far into the air ahead of them, Rin roared enthusiastically; letting the words slip from their mouth just like they'd dreamed.



"Anusobeket! You ready to start your undefeated streak?!" Bursting into existence through red light, the aptly named Totodile may not have fully understood what was supposed to be her name just yet, but could tell by Rin's voice what was to come. She had been waiting on this day too! Now that it was finally here, she gave her fiercest look to anything and everything in sight upon landing on the soft snow. She also didn't know exactly who her opponent was supposed to be, but was determined nonetheless. Some would say adamantly so. Sprinting up to the Big Jaw Pokémon, Rin crouched down in front of her. Still maintaining their overjoyed expression, Rin flattened out their hand for her to meet with a high-five. "We're gonna be family from now Anu," Rin cooed, "and together we're going to become World Champions!" Rin turned their head back to watch as the fiery haired lass walked up with her Chimchar close behind; Rin hadn't realized how far ahead they had run until then. "So how about we start our winning now?" Returning their attention back to Anusobeket, Rin noticed she hadn't slap their waiting hand yet. Unphased, they took it upon themself to manually put their hands together with added sound effect when the two came together. She giggled at the strange gesture, and Rin encouraged her, "You'll get the hang of it." Springing back up just in time, Rin faced their rival. "Ready to lose?"

@Cerces22

...Hearing the bright hum from beneath the monitor, Rin snatched the freshly formed Pokéball, and showed off their own toothy smile as they ran past the two into the wintery white of outisde. Throwing their pokéball not too high but way too far into the air ahead of them, Rin roared enthusiastically; letting the words slip from their mouth just like they'd dreamed...
@Cerces22

'Of course' Professor Eugene thought to himself. Rin grew up with Ms. Mary after all. Of course they would choose a water type. Fortunately for that Liz girl, neither Pokemon would be able to start right out with any specialty typed moves. In other words, the Tododile wouldn't yet know how to use any water moves against the Chimchar. So for now, their battle could go either way.

The professor chuckled to himself as Rin ran out the door after their opponent. Once they were gone however, it was back to work. After all, it's not like labs take vacations in between visits from Pokemon trainers. There is always more work to be done.

As Liz left the lab she was passed very quickly by Rin, who as they ran out threw their pokeball in the air. A confused Totodile emerged, it seemed to be completely lost. Before she completely left, Liz turned towards the professor and bowed.

"I am terribly sorry sir, I almost forgot!! Thank you ever so much for my pokemon, I will make sure to take good care of him." She turned with her hair arcing out in a big swish. She ran up to Rin as they were talking with their pokemon. "Oh my Arceus!! They are so cute!!
I do hope my dear Hephaestus can hold his own against a water type, although without any water moves, it's anybody's match. So as we begin our adventure,
let us start the battle!!" She said excitedly.

Liz decided it would be best to lower Anusobekets defense with a good leer, but it seemed Rin had the same idea. So they threw the stat affecting to the side and begin the battle itself. Hephaestus started off with a glancing scratch, leaving himself wide open to the water types own scratch. The poor Chimchar stumbled back at the effective date at hit, but it would not allow itself to be defeated so quickly, it recovered and turned for an other attack, but the totodile was already there, with an other scratch to the poor flame monkey pokemon, it lost consciousness.

Liz ran over to her poor defeated pokemon, she quickly checked for any major injuries, satisfied with what she saw, she returned the tuckered pokemon to it's ball.

"Well Rin, that was exciting. I promise next time we meet,
we will be stronger. I don't plan on losing again, thank you so much." She took a pen out of her pocket and grabbed Rin's hand, she scribbled her Pokedex number onto it and let go. I am going to say goodbye to my mother before I leave, and I might take the scenic route through Route 1. I want to try and find some good pokemon to catch, I got one type in particular I always wanted. So call me some time if you need to talk, we might be rivals, but I think you might be my first friend ever." She winked at them, turned on her heel and walked down the path to her mother's second job.

@metamore

With a devastating, final Scratch Hephaestus fell defeated, while Anusobeket rose triumphantly in the air over her first win! Immediately Rin ran over to scoop up their precious Totodile in their arms. Nuzzling their face with her snout, Rin cooed congratulations. They knew the second they saw her that she'd be the one Rin would take all the way to the top, and this was everything they'd imagined it'd be! First battle, first win! Seeing as Anu was largely unaffected by the Chimchar's attack even after a Leer, Rin saw no need to return her to her pokéball to rest. Besides, Anusobeket looked alive with new vitality after that fight. It looked like the last thing on her mind was getting back into that thing anyway. Setting her down, their rival walked over to them. "Well Rin, that was exciting. I promise next time we meet, we will be stronger. I don't plan on losing again, thank you so much." She took a pen out of her pocket and turned over Rin's hand revealing their palm, scribbled her Pokedex number onto it, and let go. Rin giggled at the feeling of it zigzagging on their skin, and looked her in the eyes as she spoke up again. "I am going to say goodbye to my mother before I leave, and I might take the scenic route through Route 1. I want to try and find some good pokemon to catch; I got one type in particular I always wanted. So call me some time if you need to talk. We might be rivals, but I think you might be my first friend ever." She winked at them, turned on her heel not waiting for a response, and walked down a path leading further in town.

"Cute," Rin commented in regards to her wink. They weren't necessarily flirting (seeing as she'd already left), but the thought crossed their mind, and so out it came out. "You're definitely my first trans friend ever," they mentioned bluntly to themself with a soft chuckle, rubbing the back of their neck. Actually calling out to her retreating form this time, Rin told her with hands cuffed around their mouth like a megaphone, "stay safe! I still need to beat you when you get to the Elite Four after me!" Turning themelf around, they pulled out their own Pokédex, and sent a quick message to the number the girl --whose name was now revealed to be Liz by the screen-- that read: Here's how to reach me if you ever want to be humbled again. Slotting the device into their coat pocket, Rin turned back to Anusobeket. "Come on!" They waved for her to follow as they began jogging in the near opposite Liz had gone.

"Let's go find some friends to fight!" Definitely not a very rosy depiction of capturing pokémon, but it was honest, and was enough to inspire Anu to run along after her trainer. Together they made a beeline for woods. All of their goodbyes were more than out of the way. Nothing was going to stop them from catching 'em all! Rin dashed into the woods of Route 1, and headed straight for the tall grass with Anusobeket prowling behind them with predatory focus. Well, with all the predatory focus a not fully (but near enough) healed First-Stage Pokémon could muster. Perhaps Rin's rushing would spell danger for them? Only time would tell as they were on the hunt. Ready or not, here they come!

@Balthazar007

...Nothing was going to stop them from catching 'em all! Rin dashed into the woods of Route 1, and headed straight for the tall grass with Anusobeket prowling behind them with predatory focus. Well, with all the predatory focus a not fully (but near enough) healed First-Stage Pokémon could muster. Perhaps Rin's rushing would spell danger for them? Only time would tell as they were on the hunt. Ready or not, here they come!

It wouldn't be too long before Rin and Anusobeket would find what they're after, but were they ready for the wild?

Without seeing the source, Rin and Anu suddenly came under attack. At blinding speeds, green leaves cut through the grass. The onslaught seemed relentless, but when it did finally end, they were in luck to find themselves without a scratch. However, the tall grass had been mowed down to reveal the face of a lone standing Chikorita. Despite the aggressive greeting, he seemed quite relaxed, as if he was only doing his duty. He was probably just protecting a nearby nest. The razor leaf must have been a warning shot... But what would Rin do?

Liz ran through the back alleys of town, the ways that she memorized that where best for avoid classmates. She sped through the town she had grown up, reminiscing all the memories. Before long she made it to the towns Diner, she slowed down and walked inside. Liz scanned the room looking for her mom, her eyes landed on the owner, a stooped older man who had just a few grey hairs left. She walked up and gently touched his shoulder, the old man jumped in surprise.

"Mr. Fern, have you seen my mother?? I wanted to say bye before I left." She inquired. Mr. Fern looked at Liz with a quizical look.

"Your mother?? Why her shift finished about twenty minutes ago." He said eyeballing the young lady. Liz sighed and left the diner, she would never catch her mother now. Her best course was to now head out on her adventure, her Pokedex buzzed so she grabbed it. She read Rin's message about her getting to the Elite Four after him.

"I guess we will see what will happen than Rin. Don't forget,
In am going to win next we meet!!" She responded.

"They may have left before me, but first that does not mean you will be crowned champion!!" She thought to herself. She took off towards Route One to start her adventure. As she neared the edge of town, she spotted some of her now ex-classmates. As she neared them, they turned toward her.

"Ah, look what finally decided to show up. Hey freak, think you could just leave town without saying goodbye to your friends??" The one boy asked as the other kids snickered.

"You have not, nor will not ever be my friends, I do not find those with a baser intelligence to be worthy of friendship." She said coldly, her adrenaline pumped inside her as she faced her tormentors. Her hand itching to grasp her pokeball for protection.

"No one would want to be friends with a freak like you anyways. Maybe if we through a pokeball at you, we could catch you too?? I mean you look human, and even sound human, but no one would do what you do, so you must be pokemon!!" The other kids full on laughed now.

"I am leaving this town, I won't be coming back for a long time,
maybe than you morons will be gone. I no longer have to suffer your boorish behaviors. And if you even think of touching me, not only will I kick your ass, but so will my pokemon." She released Hephaestus who looked to have recovered from his battle earlier. "Hephaestus, my dear, I never normally would condone this, but please use close combat on these neanderthals??" Hephaestus looked at Liz, he didn't know Close Combat, but the others weren't aware of that. Liz nodded to her companion, and it got the idea, he charged the children, screaming at them. All the kids ran yelling.

"We won't forget this freak!! When you come back we will be waiting!!" The others ran shouting similar things. Liz smiled coldly as she motioned for her Pokemon to follow.

Route One

Liz and Hephaestus traveled pretty deep into the woods, on the hunt for a wild pokemon. They carefully scanned the area, and find a huge patch of tall grass. They began to Travers it looking for someone to add to their party.

"Keep your eyes peeled buddy, we never know what we may run into,
keep calm and I am sure we can overcome anything, as long as we are together." She said to the monkey pokemon, it chirped it's understanding.

@balthazar007 @metamore

Route One

Liz and Hephaestus traveled pretty deep into the woods, on the hunt for a wild pokemon. They carefully scanned the area, and find a huge patch of tall grass. They began to Travers it looking for someone to add to their party.

"Keep your eyes peeled buddy, we never know what we may run into,
keep calm and I am sure we can overcome anything, as long as we are together." She said to the monkey pokemon, it chirped it's understanding.

While Liz and Hephaestus searched through the tall grass, little did they know, a wild Spinarak was watching from above in a nearby tree. The pair of them, Pokemon and trainer, looked so out of place, so vulnerable. The wild Spinarak couldn't help herself. She waited until the pair were right below before descending her sassy self right down in front of them. She took a moment to stare them in the eyes before using String Shot unannounced. The attack wasn't actually meant for battle, but rather to cover the faces of her two new guests, to show them who was boss... So now the question arose, "What would Liz do about this indignity?"

Somewhat shocked at the appearance of a wild Spinarak and it's String shot attack Liz flinched back with Hephaestus.

"Alright little buddy, we didn't do to hot our last battle,
but at least we learned from it right?? I say we capture this little bug, you have an advantage over it!! Just try not to knock it out ok??" Hephaestus nodded his understanding and ran towards the hanging pokemon. "Hephaestus, use scratch!!" The little monkey pokemon jumped up and swing out it's paws.

@Balthazar007

Somewhat shocked at the appearance of a wild Spinarak and it's String shot attack Liz flinched back with Hephaestus.

"Alright little buddy, we didn't do to hot our last battle,
but at least we learned from it right?? I say we capture this little bug, you have an advantage over it!! Just try not to knock it out ok??" Hephaestus nodded his understanding and ran towards the hanging pokemon. "Hephaestus, use scratch!!" The little monkey pokemon jumped up and swing out it's paws.

@Balthazar007

Chimchar came in hot, ready to scratch the Spinarak all up, but she wasn't going to stand for that. The horn on top of her head began to light up with a purple hue. She was preparing a special treat for her foe. Just as the Hephestus got in close, she evaded the attack... mostly. She wasn't able to get out of the way completely and took very minor damage. Unfortunanly for her, this also broke her concentration. Her horn faded back to normal.

She shook if off as quick as she could, and quickly began to build more purple energy in her horn.

Roll Result: Spinarak takes 1 point of damage.

Just as Rin had stepped on a branch a flurry of leaves shot out at them like an automated gun. Their fight impulse kicked in, and Rin's body compressed into a street-fighting stance out of a pure survival-mode drive. "Ah!" Though just as quickly as it had begun the frenzy had ceased, leaving Rin's heart racing and their head nearly twisting off as it turned to the leaves' source. In the new clearing before them stood a . . . a Chikorita!? Rin went from terrified to hyperactive to protective in an instant upon remembering Anusobeket. Pouncing on her like a lioness to her cub, Rin looked her over with feverish eyes. Had they already failed her? Had they led her to an early demise just mere moments since her first ever battle? Would Rin be forced to avenge her with the fury of every action movie they've ever seen? "Tell me where it hurts, Anusobeket!"

"Toto-Tota?" Anu on the other hand just seemed more confused than anything over her trainer's weird behavior. Just like them, she hadn't been struck by the attack. Rin could see this now, and sighed heavy in relief, but not before immediately snapping their attention back over to the wild Chikorita.

"You!" Springing back to their feet, Rin landed in a full-on pose, pointing straight at the surprisingly calm Grass Type. "You are really impressive!" Being the the extrovert they were, Rin skipped over to the relaxed Chikorita with Pokéball in hand, and a naturally inviting smile on their face. "That was really amazing what you did back there! Especially with that accuracy; you didn't hit us, even though you could have if you wanted. That proves you don't want to hurt us. So maybe you'd like to come with us? We'd make an awesome team!" Kneeling over the smaller Pokémon, Rin gave them one more toothy grin of encouragement. Normally they'd just fight the wild pokémon, but this one was special! It was a starter from the same trio as Anu, so maybe it was fate that they met. That or it was dumb luck, and even Rin knew not to look --or in this case punch-- a gift horse in the mouth. Rin figured the latter. Regardless, they pointed their pokéball at the Chikorita. "So what do ya say?" Opening the standard issue pokéball with a click of a button, a red light zapped the Chikorita, bathing it in a vermillion silhouette. "Please say yes, I don't want to lose you, or lose a battle . . ." Rin admitted, and it was up to whatever happened next to decide if their plea was in vain or not.

Liz sighed in relief, Hephaestus landed a hit and made it out clean. She noticed Spinarak's horn glowing purple and that caused concern for her.

"Listen buddy, grab some distance, throw a nice leer at her.
But be extra careful of her horn!! Looks like she is trying to use poison sting on you!! That could end this quickly for us!!" She called to her Pokemon.

"Chim, Chimchar!!" It called back to her. She could only hope it knew to be careful. Chimchar moved to position and begin to heavily leer at his opponent.

@balthazar007

...Regardless, they pointed their pokéball at the Chikorita. "So what do ya say?" Opening the standard issue pokéball with a click of a button, a red light zapped the Chikorita, bathing it in a vermillion silhouette. "Please say yes, I don't want to lose you, or lose a battle . . ." Rin admitted, and it was up to whatever happened next to decide if their plea was in vain or not.

The Chikorita was snapped up in an instant by the light. The ball then landed on the ground and began to shake. One shake... Two shake......

POP!

The wild Chikorita came right back out. The empty used up Pokeball lay right in front of him, between himself and the human. Slowly, dramaticly, the Chikorita stuck one foot out toward the Pokeball. Then it kicked it aside with a simple flick movement, as if to say "Naw. I didn't like that one. You got another one?"

The Chikorita didn't break eye contact one bit.

Result: Chikorita Says No

...