Whimsley

Pokémon: One (~Looking for one player and a Co-GM!~)

Dewmeadow

@Morose@hatakekuro@PlatinumSkink

With the battle over, Patricia dashed to her Mareep and began to coddle the fainted Pokémon. She dove beside her and began to caress her cheek against the abundant wool of the Pokémon. The lass embraced the Pokémon so tightly, you thought cotton might explode in all directions. It was covered in all sorts of earthy minerals, not to mention the String Shot of Caterpie. The Mareep’s tiny, blunt limbs were flayed out in all directions. The wool Pokémon’s head bobbed in its dazed state, rolling pupils indicating unconsciousness. Her tongue stuck out, but by being placed on her back it rested on the tip of her nose. She mewed in a low tone, trying to communicate with Patricia even when fainted.

“Reeeeeeeeep…”

“Fluffyyyy! I’m sorry!”

Taillow had begun to swoop in from the edges of the meadow. They would land where the grass remained untouched, extending their necks to the sky and producing waivering calls.

“TaAaAiillow!”

They would hop along the ground for some time. When they had found a clump that sufficed their needs, they would gather the string shot in their beaks and carry it off into the distance. The quick bird Pokémon were as dots in the sky before you knew it. From what you knew about Taillow, you figured they could use the webbing as adhesive and supportive materials for their nests. Only a few remained by the time you’d reached the bottom of the hill, as most of the web had been gathered in a short amount of time.

A few locals had gathered around to witness the Taillows and their nest gathering. They would sit on their stone porches and rock back and forth in rocking chairs. Others carried folded red and white checkered cloths on their shoulders, woven straw baskets in the other hand. They set out a small picnic to enjoy the gathering of wild Pokémon with something to munch on. A few youngsters ran after the Taillow, but their shoes gathered too much String Shot and their arms were a hair too short.

You reached the bottom of the hill where the Pokémon lay, a mighty oak standing above them all. The lass had recalled her Mareep by this point. She stood in front of the other two young trainers, arms crossed and cheeks puffed. Jane dug the point of her shoe into the ground, eyes in the same spot. She momentarily glanced at the three of you before giggling and looking down once again. Wade preoccupied watching the Taillow, mouth wide and chuckling.

“Okay… you don’t have to play tag with us… but we’re gonna win next time!” Patricia said.

A familiar face approached the collection of trainers, adjusting his golden goggles onto his forehead. He adjusted his ruffled mauve hair before reaching into a brown satchel latched around his shoulder. Pulling a number of Potions from the bag, he waved them into the air with a big grin on in his face.

”Haha! I see you’ve been busy!” Professor Dogwood said.

He would heal anyone’s Pokémon who required it, only requiring them to hold still so he could spray them with the quickly evaporating salve. When he was finished, he would place the remaining, unused Potions in his pack. Turning to Lulu, he would rub two fingers along the spine of the dragonfly-like Pokémon while frowning. He stretched out his arm to keep a maximized amount of distance between him and the Yanma.

“Your Pokémon’s paralyzed, but I have something for that.”

From another pocket of the bag, he produced a metal band that clasped at a certain point in the circumference. Placing that about the Yanma, the gadget began to whir as electrodes visibly exited the device and entered the Yanma’s body and wings.

“It’s sort of like a muscle relaxer.”

When the piece of technology died down, Lulu would appear rejuvenated and ready to move freely once again. Dogwood placed the ring into his pack before zipping all of his materials up securely. He’d pat the satchel and look over all of the kids, smiling and nodding his head.

“I saw some impressive battling out there. I’m sure you can all learn a lot of techniques from each other! If there’s anything you ever need, I’m just a call away.”

With that, and a hesitant glance in the direction of Espurr, the charismatic but kooky professor began to trot away back towards his lab, between picnic baskets and wild Taillow. It would be easy to catch up to him or yell a question if you needed something addressed.

~Assuming you continued to Route A…~

You headed east for an extended amount of time, even wondering at some point if the Professor had misled you. Though eventually you reached it, a wide dirt road level with the low grass that surrounded it. The land before you was flat, much like Dewmeadow, but much drier. There were no droplets of water resting heavily on bent blades of grass. There were no drizzles when resting beneath any of the shady trees. You could see for miles in any direction, patches of tall grass and rogue oak trees being the only interruptions in the prairie-like landscape.

For the first day of the annual Pokémon gathering, it was surprisingly… quiet. There were few if any trainers about, and they were all people you’d known from the village. Where were all of the trainers that were supposed to come from all around? And where was the merchant, who normally travelled in horse and carriage? He was the rural town’s source of trade, and it was odd that he hadn’t made it in today. Come to think of it, you remembered the Professor mentioning that his assistant Cass hadn’t come in yet either. Something, whatever it was, seemed amiss as your shoes kicked up the dust below you.

ROUTE A

ENCOUNTER(S): 1

EACH TRAINER MAY CHOOSE THEIR OWN ENCOUNTER(S):

[1) CATCH POKéMON (KNOWN POKéMON: TAILLOW)
[2) TRAIN POKéMON
[3) RANDOM EVENT
[4) OTHER (PLEASE SPECIFY. IF ATTEMPTING TO CATCH A RARE POKéMON, STATE EXACTLY WHAT YOU ARE DOING.)

Pokémon: One (~Looking for one player and a Co-GM!~)

@PlatinumSkink The traveling merchant that normally resides in Dewmeadow is nowhere to be found. Perhaps he's somewhere on the route, waiting to be discovered...

Pokémon: One (~Looking for one player and a Co-GM!~)

@Rune_Alchemist Like I said, still working out the kinks. The things is, there are specific requirements to be met when trying to capture a rare. And if you don't meet them, I don't want to lead you on for four posts just to tell you it's not there.

One Piece: New Age

Alan spewed the blade from his maw. The metal crashed against the cave floor, tinkering to a halt after it fell. The fist that had made contact with the pirate sent flying opened and closed. He made sure no bones were broken, clenching the fingers into a tight ball. Afterward, he pounded his exposed chest with that closed, right fist. Repeatedly, it slammed against his skin as he bellowed a victorious laugh. His chest swelled a bright red as it rose with every roar and chuckle.

"HUA HUA HUA! HUA HUA HUA!"

@IceHeart

The titanic man swiveled in place, keeping one foot to the floor as he turned. Everything about the man was large, including his presence. He placed two hands upon his hips, green eyes surveying the gladiator crew. Noticing one of the pirates had fallen to the cave floor, he began sauntering over. The cave echoed with every step as he approached, rubber tread upon stone. Extending his tire-sized hand, he held it open in front of Zypha to assist her to her feet, if she accepted. He would remain there with his colossal smile before addressing Zypha's crew.

"OH, I DO APPRECIATE A CREW WHO HAS GOOD FUN! LET'S BAND TOGETHER, UNTIL THE GOLD FADES FROM OUR EYES!"

Pokémon: One (~Looking for one player and a Co-GM!~)

Posted for everyone but Dewmeadow. I need to sleep, but @hatakekuro if you can get a post up I'll be responding to the Dewmeadow group when I wake up. Sorry for the delay everyone. The mobile version of the site seems to be crashing less on me, so I'll make sure to update you on there if this happens again.

Pokémon: One (~Looking for one player and a Co-GM!~)

Gleampier

@Xan the G@Eklispe

With the combined efforts of Houndour and Budew, the wet environment was no more. The repeated Embers from Rook converted the hallway into a sauna, turning water to steam. The Budew, with its increased size, began to draw in all remaining forms of water. Steam, groundwater, and droplets alike streamed into the Pokémon’s body. Ribbons of blue were drawn to its feet and elongated petals, feeding the viridian sheen of his physique. When all was cleared, the Poliwag had been revealed and Magikarp could do little else than flounder in place.

“Karp?”

“Poliwag?”

The two trainers appeared worried for the first time, making exaggerated, stretched facial expressions and flaunting their crooked, flexing arms.

“My speed! Oh no bro!”

“They can do that?!”

Chuck, the blonde-haired sailor, appeared to overcome his frustrations quickly. He took a wide-legged stance and returned his keen eyes from the environment to the battlefield.

“Broseidon! Jump on that Budew!”

The Poliwag did what he was told, bounding to and fro in a zigzag formation toward the Budew. Havoc would notice it was much less coordinated than it was on water, reeling on its heels and often using the top of its head to bounce from place to place. It was a goofy, yet unorthodox and possibly difficult to predict movement. The Magikarp remained in place, flailing about but still appearing as viscous as ever. Its scales shined as daggers that slice. Its eyes stared as windows that did not feel.

And from the corner of your eye, you would note an approaching, blue humanoid at slow but foreboding pace. Its bare feet collided with the hardwood floor of the hallway. Thunderous echoes sounded off its pace. As a steam train, it began to grow momentum as he was approaching Budew.

“MAAAAAACHOP!”

@BlueSky44

“Oh no, bros!”

Buck, the brown-haired sailor, took a concerned glance in the direction of his other two brothers from other mothers. They were having difficulty in their battles. He took to his beard as he often did. Stroking the fine, curly hairs, the sailor mumbled to himself. He slid his palms against the side of his face and smacked his temples, continuing to mutter. Returning his gaze to Machop, his shoulders square, it appeared he’d made up his mind.

The tackle made solid connection with the square of Machop’s back. It sent him stumbling forward, not knocked over but working to catch his balance. The trainer found his opportunity in these moments.

“Brohammed Ali, keep running! Do it for the squad!”

The Machop obliged, using the acquired momentum to take heavy steps in the direction of Budew. It began stumbling at first and you believed it to be tripping over its own feet, but the Superpower Pokémon was sure to stay on its path. Head low and arms angled, it began its attack toward your allies. Was there a way to stop the biological steam train?

“MAAAAAACHOP!”

Pokémon: One (~Looking for one player and a Co-GM!~)

Argentglade

@samreaper

Evergreen placed a finger on the side of her lips, crooking the end and leaning into it as Derrik spoke. Her pupils wandered to the upper right corner of her cornea, and she seemed to be muttering under her breath. Her eyelids rose quickly and she cocked her head, a grin growing on her face.

“I’m snowed under, but I can still handle these dills.”

Her pointed finger traversed to her cheekbone as it tapped lightly. Her eyes were coy and tongue in cheek. She gazed into your eye and bandage to gauge a reaction. Had she spoken correctly? Or, perhaps, there was an error or a skip in her accent that only a native might detect.

“Autrio, right? It’s a shame we don’t get more literature from your region, but I’ve read all I can.”

She placed both of her palms face down onto her skirted lap, closing her eyes and smiling widely. She bowed her head down in response to Derrik’s introduction. The wind being blown from the room ruffled her hair in a playful sort of way. Her head rose and she shifted in place and her wheelchair began to turn, as if by non-physical command.

“Well, I suppose. It doesn’t change all very much in Argentglade. But the snow is always beautiful.”

The thick-mustached fellow who had previously insulted Evergreen awoke from his stupor, gathering his senses and flailing about. He adjusted his thick-framed glasses and hoisted his pants. Muttering some incoherent babbling, the round fellow was just about to saunter away when Derrik addressed him. At the mention of violence, the man’s face grew pale as silvery diamonds. He fell backward, the back of his palm on his forehead, but gravity took him too quickly this time. An indentation of snow furcoat was created in the Earth as his assistants attempted to dig him from the snow with their woolen hands.

@Turbine

“My tongue will tell the anger of my heart, or else my heart concealing it will break.”

She paused, as if in memory, clasping her hands together in a sphere and resting upon it. She had not a look of pain nor happiness, but of neutral intent. Her momentary glimpse to the floor was soon interrupted, holding out her sleeved arms and expressing her glee in an open smile.

“But, never mind that, Garret it’s so wonderful to see you again! You will have to thank your mother for me for this beautiful outfit. I love it.”

She embraced you all the same, reciprocating your hug. She smelled of a subtle perfume that had not been known to Garret. It was pure, simple, yet intoxicating and alluring. It sent your conscience to happier times, your vision fading to memories. Evergreen had turned in her chair, and motioned you further into the lab with a wave of her hand.

“Well…”

Her neck craned over the back of her chair to check how closely the crowd had approached. Her voice was just as quiet as yours, if not more so.

“There is a pattern in the density, shape, and molecular composition of ice crystals in Argentglade. None of the researchers have noticed it. Studying wind currents, if certain ice crystals were aligned to their source of origin…”

Before she continued, a researcher in fur coat was fast upon the door, quickly treading snow about the interior of the lab. The frozen material quickly turned to liquid and evaporated, thanks to some overhead vents you’d just now noticed.

“Well, that’s a discussion for another time, hm?”

@Turbine @samreaper

You both marveled the interior of Evergreen’s lab. It was decorated as a modern, cozy home, but somehow also functioned as a lab. Wooden, polished tables and beige carpets were placed amongst stark white counters and glassware. Terminals, monitors, and switches covered the cream walls at about stomach level. There was a kitchen and a centrifuge room. There was a den and a microscopy lab. For every modern living element, there was a scientific one. You admired the design and how it all somehow mixed, despite how different the two were. The carpet quickly absorbed any liquids or chemicals that were spilled onto the floor. Any residual liquid quickly evaporated as powerful ceiling vents twisted their teeth and revealed themselves. They inhaled deeply before returning to their slumber, hidden in the off-white ceiling.

Elements and furniture of the interior seemed to be able to move itself if needed. If ever an object was in your way, it was able to shift along a horizontal or even vertical plane in some cases. Other, larger pieces were transfixed to a section of the wall. The wall was capable of flipping about, hiding the obstacle until it was no longer in your path. It appeared that nearly everything was made universally accessible within Evergreen’s lab. A system of drones flew precisely above you in all directions. They were each carrying supplies of varying quantities and qualities. There were few furcoats around, and none seemed to have any remote to control them with.

“They’re automatically piloted by my assistant, ERIC.”

Just after mentioning the name, a nearby black orb on the wall emitted a triangular, bright blue beam in front of you. It loaded a series of dots and lines. First, in the shape of feet, then legs, torso, arms, and finally a head. Before you stood a primitive outline of a man, bald and about six feet tall in stature. Weight unknown.

“IT IS A PLEASURE TO MEET YOU.”

ERIC

“He will be taking you into the terminal room. I'd do it myself, but it's a bit crowded at the moment... see you soon!”

Evergreen waved to the both of you once again before turning about in her chair. She appeared to be greeting those who were entering at the door. She took extra care and time to meet the children and those who were younger. You could overhear her asking about their favorite Pokémon and what they wished to accomplish in the future.

“RIGHT THIS WAY, GENTLEMEN.”

The blue hologram was connected to the black sphere on the wall by a thin, wavering beam of light. The sphere shifted on the wall as ERIC began to walk, taking twists and turns through the modern home of a laboratory. You noticed several other trainers around you being led by clones of ERIC. It appeared that the intelligence system was not limited to just one appearance at a time, and was capable of communicating with multiple individuals. In addition, it appeared to be operating many of the automatic functions of the laboratory. ERIC could take orders and respond in real time, without any input or coding system required. You weren’t quite sure how it all worked, or how advanced ERIC really was in terms of conversation and answering questions.

ERIC led you into a room much like the populated counters, stark white but much more barren than the rest of the laboratory. This room was covered, floor and all, with large white tiles and black glass in-between. Being the first there, ERIC led the two of you into a back corner, motioning for each of you to face against one of the white tiles on the wall. Once you were in position, a light blue ring formed around you. It traversed your body once, twice, before fading as pixels in an explosion. The pixels reformed, piece by piece, to create letters on the white tile in front of you.

@Turbine

[REGISTER] Read on the screen, just above a thumb print. There was no turning back from here. Did you accept?

Assuming you accept...

Blue lines traversed the screen. In patterns, sporadically, dashing in their inconsistency. The cogs in the terminal whirred as the lasers performed their show, before they came to form words on the screen.

GARRET BELEAU

AGE: 16
SEX: M
HEIGHT: 6’ 0”
WEIGHT: …RECALIBRATING…

[IS THIS CORRECT?]
Assuming you pressed the button, after making any changes you wished...

CALCULATING...

First, a hex grid of wireframe. Black in the inside, green as the structure, a Poké Ball formed in a pocket below the screen, held by a sort of basic upholder apparatus. A green laser, in the fashion of a 3D printer, began to bring the Pokéball to life. Layer by layer, the second dimension gained another perspective. First green, then a white bottom, a black, middle rim, a white button on the front, and finally the cherry red top. The button glowed a dark pink and hummed a synthetic tune before fading.

YOUR POKÉMON IS... VULPIX

[WILL YOU GIVE VULPIX A NAME?]

The screen asked you.

@samreaper

[REGISTER] Read on the screen, just above a thumb print. There was no turning back from here. Did you accept?

Assuming you accept...

Blue lines traversed the screen. In patterns, sporadically, dashing in their inconsistency. The cogs in the terminal whirred as the lasers performed their show, before they came to form words on the screen.

DERRIK SCULLER

AGE: 17
SEX: M
HEIGHT: 6’ 2”
WEIGHT: …RECALIBRATING…

[IS THIS CORRECT?]

Assuming you pressed the button, after making any changes you wished...

CALCULATING...

First, a hex grid of wireframe. Black in the inside, green as the structure, a Poké Ball formed in a pocket below the screen, held by a sort of basic upholder apparatus. A green laser, in the fashion of a 3D printer, began to bring the Pokéball to life. Layer by layer, the second dimension gained another perspective. First green, then a white bottom, a black, middle rim, a white button on the front, and finally the cherry red top. The button glowed a dark pink and hummed a synthetic tune before fading.

YOUR POKÉMON IS... GASTLY

[WILL YOU GIVE GASTLY A NAME?]

The screen asked you.

Pokémon: One (~Looking for one player and a Co-GM!~)

Redorchard

(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

(Normally, it’s one encounter per times entering the route, but I’m still working out the kinks. I can’t just have you wait while I respond to tex and las. So, I’ll give you this additional encounter since it’s the best solution I can come up with at the moment.)

You wandered deeper into the forest, where shadows could very well become transfixed into other things with imagination. Though, the sun shone too powerfully for the effect to be overwhelming. Scattered beams of light still managed to find their way through the canopy and onto the forest floor. There was plenty of light to see, but did you know where you were going? Scattered marks on trees hinted at faint Xatu activity, but there was little pattern to be had. It appeared the trail had gone cold. Wandering, you checked shrubs and taller blades of grass in search of any Pokémon at this point.

Then you spotted it, between two solar spots: a Pancham. The Playful Pokémon was leaning against a tree, staring up into the leaves above it. It was completely unaware of your presence, and hadn’t heard your footsteps despite crunching leaves underfoot. Also, if you knew anything about Pancham, they often carried leaves in their mouth as their trademark. This particular specimen was… chewing on an acorn stem. The acorn was still there, but for whatever reason the panda-like Pokémon had taken to the holster of the nut as its teeth rolled the stem. It stayed there, big, snarling teeth only intimidating to… well, nobody, really.

@tex

Your intent to train set you off in the direction of wild Pokémon. Though that was usually reserved if one wished to capture Pokémon, it wasn’t unheard of to try and battle wild Pokémon for experience. Though, most would learn more from a battle with a trainer, even if they themselves weren’t very good at battling. A wild Pokémon had no trainer to command it, and could only be so intelligent in its combat maneuvers. It relied on pure instinct, rather than the attentive eye of a battler. Despite this, your missive was known and determined.

You hadn’t taken very many steps along the dirt road before a rustling from a nearby shrub caught your attention. Bursting from the green encagement, an average-looking Zigzagoon burst forth from the foliage.

“Zig! Zigzagooooooon!”

It wasn’t eye-catching, but the sucker had spunk. It bounced on its front paws repeatedly, as if it were to pounce at any moments. Zany eyes somehow watched your own and Kaz’s at the same time. Rearing up on its hind legs, the Pokémon scuffled in the dirt and showed you it was prepared for a fight.
--

~ZIGZAGOON WANTS TO BATTLE!~

The Zigzagoon was reared to go, but it appeared that Kaz still had the initiative to strike.

@Lasrever

Your Pokédex lit up after inputting the Scan command. A flash of a faint blue beam of light appeared, capturing the Pidgey as a picture might. Data began streaming across the twilight black screen.

~PIDGEY. THE TINY BIRD POKéMON. IT IS DOCILE AND PREFERS TO AVOID CONFLICT. IF DISTURBED, HOWEVER, IT CAN FEROCIOUSLY STRIKE BACK~

~ACQUIRED 100 P FOR ENTRY: PIDGEY!~

The Pidgey finished swallowing its latest prey before Abigail began yelling her challenge. The Pokémon puffed out its chest in response, strutting side to side and kicking up loose grains of dirt with its sharp talons. Unfurling its wings, Pidgey strut from side to side, head bobbing up and down. When it had reached the edge of the dirt path, it performed a quick 180º spin with a flap of its wings. Then, again, it strut down the path in the same manner. All of the insects had scattered at this point, leaving Pidgey and Deerling to face off between the tall grass.
--

~PIDGEY WANTS TO BATTLE!~

Waffles blended in with the terrain, his green and white hide now a caramel color. Large, black pupils were the only way to separate the Pokémon from the dirt path. Pidgey cocked its head in every which way, looking in the direction where Deerling had “vanished”. Unable to locate the Pokémon, the Pidgey took more interest into the only thing it could see. With a few hops and a gust of its wings, Pidgey soared above Deerling and landed on the shoulder of Abigail. It appeared intrigued by the candy she had just put into her mouth. The tiny bird Pokémon cooed, lightly pecking at Abigail’s cheek in order to attain the sweet, to no avail. This did not stop it from trying, though.

Pokémon: One (~Looking for one player and a Co-GM!~)

Site's been crashing on me the past few days, sorry I haven't posted. Posts will be coming ASAP.

@PlatinumSKink Khajit has Oddish if you have fair trade. Sorry it didn't work out, haha! Maybe you can still catch one on the route.

Pokémon: One (~Looking for one player and a Co-GM!~)

Gleampier

@Xan the G

“Come on Broseidon! One more Water Gun and that Houndour’s crushed!”

Each of you could hear the pitter patter of a curious Poliwag, attempting to use its other senses to locate the weakened Houndour. Water sloshed to and fro within the mist, an echo difficult to locate. The Poliwag stopped moving. Or, the sound of its footsteps quit making noise. There was a deep pause as the cloud took in a heavy breath.

Rook was the first to strike, sending Embers into the unknown mist and strafing directly after, just as instructed. With each conjuration off flame, smog was added into the mix of steam. The thick, white cloud became one more akin to a storm. Grey, furling edges turned into each other as the battle raged from within.

Just following the leap of Rook, a powerful stream of water surged toward the Pokémon, but would always miss. It appeared Poliwag was aiming for the position the Houndour was previously in, but was unable to detect that he was moving in a strafing pattern. This cycle continued, the fireballs going into the thickening cloud and given little response. All that could be heard was the frustrated cries of Poliwag, and all that could be hoped was that the Embers were making contact.

“Poliwag! Poliwag! Poliwag!”

Gushes of water continued to follow the roars of the tadpole Pokémon. After some time of this, Rook was caught off-guard by a particular torrent nearly broadsiding him. Was it luck, or was the Poliwag catching onto your movements? A cry from Chuck broke your wandering thoughts.

“That’s it Broseidon! Just keep them coming at random! We’ll hit him eventually!”

@BlueSky44

The brown-haired sailor continued to point and taunt as he flexed his excellent muscles. The shine in his eye and smirk in his grin hinted that he believed the match was already over. He flicked his bangs to the side with the swipe of a hand. He stood tall, chest puffed out, hands upon his hips. Buck stood at an angle relative to you, as if he were posing for an art studio. The Machop did the same, the two imitating each other in their flaunting.

“Alright Brohammed Ali, you know how this goes. Show Poochyena just how much we lift!”

A droplet of water fell from the flick of his sleeved wrist. As it collided with the wet floor and created a fractal system of rings, the flare shot off in Machop’s head. It charged slowly, gaining its footing. Then faster, at pace, a jog into a sprint. It could be equated to the sight of a small steam train revving its engines and hollering to sky above railroad. A mighty trunk of a leg came swinging downward in the position that Poochyena was in.

And it was met with air.

Thanks to Poochyena’s jump, the Machop’s Low Kick was incapable of meeting it. Now the Machop’s back was to Poochyena, and the Pokémon was wide open to attack. How quick would the beefy Machop be able to counter, though?

@Eklispe

And so Budew continued to grow in size, increasing his offensive stats significantly over the course of the move. Perhaps it was overkill on the splashing Magikarp, but it was wise not to underestimate one’s opponent. And the effects of Growth would persist through the battle, so perhaps it would come in handy if Budew was to battle the other Pokémon. You weren’t sure if the water had any effect on its growth, but it surely wasn’t halting the increasing size of the Pokémon.

Puck scratched the scruff of his curly, red beard. His eyes squinted, appearing deep in thought. He watched the battle intently. Was he waiting for something to happen, or an idea to pop into his head? He waited nonetheless, watching Budew grow in size. His movements unvaried save for the occasional eyebrow raise.

Finally, during Budew’s second stage of growth, the sailor issued a command.

“Brometheus. Start circling the Budew!”

Heeding to its master’s command, the scaled death machine began swerving as a top on its side. Using the accumulated water to reduce friction, it began to circle the growing Budew as a shark to prey. The Magikarp itself became a circular blend of gold and red, incomprehensible in its parts. The living top came closer and closer to Budew as if it were rolling down a slight, suspenseful slope.

“Bro, this speed’s unmatched!”

From the corner of your eye, you noted a torrent of water approaching Budew’s location. It must’ve come from the cloud of steam surrounding Havoc’s battle. The Magikarp seemed to cover every direction on the ground where the Budew could run. Was Budew quick enough to dodge the scales of wrath, or was his trainer quick enough to think of a different solution?