Pokémon: The Return of Team Galactic (PG)- RPG Thread

[Torpoleon]

Zach VS Joe

(Next will be my one post of Zach VS Crasher Wake.)
Zach Hiken
Pastoria City, Sinnoh
Current Team: Piplup, Magmar, Roselia, Staravia & Elekid
Badges: 3/8

Caroline Rubie
Chemical Town, Sinnoh
Current Team: Monferno, Mismagius, Cherrim, Togepi & Eevee
Ribbons: 3/4


Right when Zach was about to enter Pastoria City, he was approached by a boy with a black shirt and black shorts. His shoes were covered in mud too. It was Joe, the kid Zach & Caroline met near Seashore Town!

"Hey, Joe" Zach greeted his friend, high-fiving him. Zach looked down at Joe's shoes. "What's up with your shoes, man?"

Joe sighed. "I lost to Crasher Wake, the Pastoria Gym Leader. I went to train at the Great Marsh, but there is mud there and I got my shoes covered in it. Wake is strong, Also, there is a contest at the Great Marsh. I'm entering it with my new friend!" Joe explained this, getting happier with each sentence as he moved out of the way, to show Zach his new friend.

This friend was none other than Zach & Caroline's classmate at Trainer's School, Nick! Obviously Nick would enter the contest, since if Caroline didn't get all four ribbons, nor did he.

"Whoa! So, you guys are friends!" Zach yelled, happy that Joe has a travel buddy. Joe explained that he has two badges and will continue training at the Great Marsh after the contest to beat Wake. Nick explained that he only has two ribbons and will enter the contest. He lost to Wake as well and will go to Iron Island after the contest for further training, after he and Joe beat Wake.

"Hey, Zach. We haven't had a battle ever. Let's have a two on two battle." Joe said, clenching his fists, confident that his Skorupi, which Zach caught for Joe in the Skorupi Forest, and Joe's Starter Pokémon can beat Zach's Pokémon.

--------​

Finding a nice place to fight in Pastoria City, Nick decided to judge the contest.

"This will be a two on two battle. Substitutions are allowed. Begin!" Nick explained, raising both his arms in the air, signifying the beginning of the match.

Joe grabbed a Poké Ball from his belt, enlarged it and threw it into the air. The ball opened up and Skorupi appeared, hitting his pincer-like appendages together. Skorupi was ready. Riskily, Zach decided to count Skorupi with Elekid. Elekid has had a horrible losing streak, but Zach is confident that will change with this match.

"Skorupi! Pin Missile, let's go!" Joe commanded, pointing at Zach's Elekid.

Zach smirked. "Dodge it and then use Brick Break!" Zach clenched his fist. The match had only begun, but sparks began to fly as Elekid ducked just in time to dodge Pin Missile and lunged at Skorupi with his hand glowing.

Joe knew what to do about this. "Grab it!" Zach gasped and was too late to get Elekid out of there. Elekid is firmly in Skorupi's grasp now! "Poison Fang! Crunch afterward and throw it." There was nothing Zach could do.

Zach watched as Skorupi made an X with its appendages, hitting Elekid with the move and even poisoning Elekid. Zach was about to have Elekid use Thundershock, but Skorupi knocked Elekid out with Crunch.

Zach groaned as Elekid got yet another loss added. After recalling the Pokémon, Zach brought in his trusty little penguin, Piplup! Dodging Cross Poison, Piplup knocked Skorupi out with Bubblebeam and Peck. Now it was down to their last Pokémon.

"Prinplup, come on out!" Joe yelled as he enlarged a Poké Ball which opened up and a penguin bigger and more different than Piplup came out.

Piplup started off with Bubblebeam, but Prinplup broke through it, hitting Piplup with Drill Peck and then knocking Piplup out with Double Hit. Zach had lost. After recalling their Pokémon, Joe & Nick went with Zach to heal Zach & Joe's Pokémon and then went to the Pastoria City Gym!

 

[Silver_Seoul]

Bridget
Chemical Town, Sinnoh
Team: Prinplup, Roselia, Vespiquen, Porygon, Shield Fossil*
Ribbon Count: -

Dahlia finished up the match with one final Fire Spin, the column of rotating flames colliding with and pushing past the Air Cutter that Vespiquen had launched. In the end it turned out Dahlia had just a few more points than Bridget, giving her the win! Bridget prepared to go congratulate her but stopped as she realized both Dahlia and Caroline had three ribbons now, and even Talia was ahead with her one. Bridget had to fight back the reality of her situation and recalled Vespiquen, rushing out of the Contest Hall and running down the path.


Oliver
Route 214, Sinnoh
Current Team: Monferno, Luxio, Buizel, Gligar
Badge Count: 3

Oliver had left in the middle of her match for a small training session with Luxio. The upcoming Pastoria City Gym was a special Gym for water types. Luxio would be the best choice to battle the Leader, so he had given him the time of day while Bridget performed. Eventually they somehow ended up about ten minutes away from Valor Lakefront; Oliver read a sign pertaining to the Grand Festival and decided he'd inform Bridget of it whenever she caught up. He decided to take a rest in a nearby hotel, but the closest one was straight ahead. He sighed and trekked on, feeling slightly lonely.

 

[Torpoleon]

Zach VS Crasher Wake

Zach Hiken
Pastoria City Gym, Sinnoh
Current Team: Piplup, Magmar, Roselia, Staravia & Elekid
Badges: 3/8

Caroline Rubie
Pastoria City Gym, Sinnoh
Current Team: Monferno, Mismagius, Cherrim, Togepi & Eevee
Ribbons: 3/4

When the threesome entered the gym, there were bleachers, like in every gym, but it also had water in the gym itself. There were circular things to stand on for non-Water Types. On one side, Zach stood, on the other was a muscular man who was wearing blue. He is Gym Leader Crasher Wake.

Just when the match was going to start, Caroline appeared from Zach's side, saying that Dahlia won her 3rd Ribbon. She went to go sit with Nick & Joe, t get up to date with what happened.

"OK, Gym Leader Wake! I challenge you for the Fen Badge!" Zach proclaimed, pointing at Crasher Wake.

"No." Crasher Wake said blankly to Zach & Caroline's surprise. "You called me Wake. I am Crasher Wake."

Zach facepalmed. "OK, I challenge you to a battle, Crasher Wake!" Crasher Wake nodded an brought out his first Pokémon. Zach got a Poké Ball from his belt which he enlarged and threw in the air, releasing Elekid. Crasher Wake brought out an Empoleon!

"Oh man! Zach!" Nick yelled from the sidelines as Zach turned in his direction. "Crasher Wake started with Empoleon against us and beat our Pokémon by itself! Be careful!" Zach nodded.

"Thundershock!" Zach started off. The move would be super effective if it hit, but Joe & Nick knew it wouldn't.

Crasher Wake laughed. "You really think I didn't know a why for Empleon to counter that? Besides, that wouldn't deal a lot of damage to my Empoleon! Steel Wing Attack, Empoleon!"

The small surge of electricity hit against the Steel Wing, canceling Steel Wing out. Empoleon went for Elekid with Steel Wing, which Elekid countered with Brick Break. Empoleon prevailed and knocked Elekid out.

"Dang! Roselia, use Bullet Seed!" Zach yelled, as he got Roselia's Poké Ball out.

The seeds shot from Roselia and went for Empoleon, although Empoleon countered it with Drill Peck and knocked Roselia out.

"Oh cheese! Magmar, come out and use Mach Punch!" Zach yelled as he brought out his third Pokémon.

Magmar appeared and went straight in with Mach Punch, confusing everyone! Empoleon countered with Hydro Pump, which Magmar jumped high into the sky away from. Magmar then hits Empoleon with ThunderPunch, before fainting to Hydro Pump.

Caroline, Nick & Joe knew that Zach only had one Pokémon. Even though Empoleon took damage from ThunderPunch, it wasn't a lot. Things are looking bleak for Zach!

"Piplup, I choose you!" Zach yelled as he brought out his favorite little penguin. Piplup knew it was all up to him to beat his final evolution! "Peck, let's go!" Zach yelled, pointing at Empoleon. Everyone felt as f Zach just gave up since Empoleon can easily counter that.

Empoleon did counter it with Drill Peck and won the match with Steel Wing. Thanking Crasher Wake for the match, Zach went outside to train his Elekid, saying that he'd be back. Caroline, Nick & Joe stayed to watch any matches of Zach & Caroline's Friends.

 

[Double-oh-Platypus]

Jasmine David
Pastoria City
Current Team: Piplup, Oddish, Abra, Growlithe, Sudowoodo
Badge Count: 3

Talia David
Pastoria City
Current Team: Grotle, Kirlia, Gastly, Spinda
Ribbon Count: 1


As soon as Talia had registered for the upcoming contest (she'd received a free head band for registering in advance) the two girls headed over to the gym. Jasmine figured she may as well get her battle done and over with. She had heard Fantina was a tough opponent and she had no intentions of losing easily to Wake if he was to be her final heavy-duty training before the ghost-type gym leader of Hearthome City.

The battlefield was empty when Jazzy entered. Talia took her place in the stands as her sister registered quickly with the doorman before he went running off in search of Crasher Wake and a referee. It only took a moment for them to return though and soon the battlefield had been set up.

Jasmine had never used any other type field besides a regular one and glancing at the pool of water with the floating platforms made her re-think her plan. She had intended on using her Oddish and Abra in this two-on-two match, but now she was thinking of using Piplup instead of her psychic stead. Though it was hard to fight water with water, she hoped that the advantage in the water would help her greatly.

"The battle between gym leader, Crasher Wake, and challenger, Jasmine David of Sunnyshore City shall begin. Each person may use two Pokemon each but only the challenger may substitute. The battle is over when both Pokemon on one side have fainted. Begin!"

Crasher Wake, a tall and muscular man with a peculiar looking mask, tossed a Poke Ball into the air, releasing a light blue blob-like Pokemon. It swam lazily in the pool and as Jasmine released her Oddish, her sister used her PokeDex to gather information on Crasher Wake's Pokemon.

"Quagsire, the Water Fish Pokemon. A Pokemon known for a mixture of carefree, easygoing, sluggish and relaxed natures, it is quite dim-witted and doesn't mind bumping into boats. They also seem to be attracted to shiny objects."

"Quagsire, use Mud Bomb!" Wake ordered. His Pokemon's head appeared above the water before releasing a large blob of mud which Oddish only just managed to avoid by diving onto the next platform.

"Oddish, retaliate with Absorb!" Jasmine countered. However, pinpointing the Water Fish Pokemon wasn't easy. The water threw reflections and distortions and Oddish missed several times before Wake slammed it into the water with his Quagsire.

"Oddish, Absorb again!" Jasmine called. Many other trainers would have tried to get their Pokemon out of the water, but now that her grass Pokemon was under the waves she knew it would be easier for it to land an attack. Her theory proved correct as the little blue ball landed an attack on the Quagsire, draining its health and stamina. It was four times weak to grass type attacks and if Jazzy could keep this up then Wake's first Pokemon would be down in no time.

"Mud Bomb again!" Crasher Wake called. Jasmine was now frantically trying to usher her Pokemon out of the water as the mud raced towards the grass Pokemon, effectively shooting it straight out of the water and high into the air.

Jasmine, always good with the quick-thinking strategies, barked out an order without really thinking. "Use Acid! And then Sleep Powder!" Her Pokemon twisted into the air so she was facing the Quagsire who was admiring his handy work and in turn, received a face full of acidic purple goo. He screeched and dove under the water in an attempt to wash it off and that's when Oddish followed up on her second attack. The powder that had been used to submit Sudowoodo to sleep spread evenly out across the water as Oddish landed on one of the floating platforms. As the Quagsire rose back to the surface he came in contact with the sleeping spores and promptly fell asleep, sinking to the bottom of the pool.

"Quagsire!" Crasher Wake called, obviously looking a little panicked. His fists tightened so that his knuckles turned white and he flashed a fleeting look at Jazzy.

"Oddish, carefully get back in the water and drain that Quagsire of everything it's got!" Jasmine exclaimed. She was feeling good about this battle. If she took out this Quagsire now she'd have the advantage.

Her Pokemon hopped into the water in a place where the Sleep Powder had already been filtered away and proceeded to use Mega Drain on the Quagsire as her trainer had instructed. Before long, both floated back to the surface, although Crasher Wake's Pokemon clearly looked like it was in no state to battle.

"Quagsire is unable to battle," the referee announced, raising a red flag on Wake's side of the pool. "Oddish is the winner!" A green flag rose on Jasmine's side as her Pokemon hopped onto one of the platforms, shaking water droplets from its leaves. Jasmine and Talia cheered in the stands as Wake recalled his Pokemon.

"Don't think you'll win the next round so easily," he commented airily. "Floatzel, it's your turn!" His next Pokemon was a large water weasel with a yellow flotation device hanging from its neck. "Start things off with Ice Fang!"

"Dodge!" Jasmine barked. It was clever of Wake to have an attack on one of his Pokemon that would eliminate the grass-type weakness, but she hadn't been anticipating the Floatzel's speed. Even as Oddish hopped to a different platform the opposing Pokemon seemed to change direction and crunch down on the little grass Pokemon with icy incisors. It shrieked in pain, only managing to shake off the Floatzel with a well aimed Acid attack.

"Rinse and repeat!" Wake cried, obviously enjoying how the tables had turned.

"Keep hopping!" Jasmine ordered in return. Her only hope was to keep the Floatzel on its toes as it swam quick laps around the field, washing away the acid. Her Oddish hopped nimbly from one platform to the next but as she landed on one in the middle of the pool, she was overthrown as Wake's Floatzel crashed into it from the bottom. As the Oddish landed in the pool it was instantly claimed by Floatzel's Ice Fang again.

"Finish it off with Swift!" Wake ordered. His Floatzel released a flurry of stars from its mouth, sending Oddish flying high out of the water and into Talia's arms in the stand. It was clearly exhausted and the referee raised his flags. "Oddish is unable to battle. The winner is Floatzel!"

Jasmine hurried over to the stands where Talia was now standing at the railing, holding the grass-type Pokemon out above her sister's head. Jazzy pulled Oddish's Poke Ball from her belt and returned her with a press of a button before returning to her platform.

Wake's Floatzel was insanely fast and Jasmine's fastest Pokemon that could hope to compare would be her Growlithe, would be an obvious mistake sending into battle. Her Sudowoodo was out of the question as well, being weak to water. That left either Abra or Piplup and Jasmine was seriously considering changing her strategy again when she decided not to. Abra's attacks were long range mostly and she remembered how hard it had been judging the location of a Pokemon in the water. No, she was going to have to fight fire with fire.

"Piplup, let's win this thing!" She called out, releasing her penguin-like Pokemon who splashed into the water happily.

 

[Torpoleon]

Magmar VS Elekid- Elekid's Evolution!

Zach Hiken
Pastoria City, Sinnoh
Current Team: Piplup, Magmar, Roselia, Staravia & Elekid
Badge: 3/8

Caroline Rubie
Pastoria City Gym, Sinnoh
Current Team: Monferno, Mismagius, Cherrim, Togepi & Eevee
Ribbons: 3/4

Zach sighed as he exited the Pastoria City Gym. Although all of his Pokémon lost to Crasher Wake's Empoleon, Elekid has just been racking up his losses. Hopefully some training will help make Elekid a star.

--------​

Zach found a good spot in Pastoria City to train Elekid. He has the perfect training partner for Elekid. "Magmar & Elekid! Come on out!" Zach yelled, enlarging to Poké Balls from his belt which opened up revealing Magmar & Elekid.

"OK, let's train you, Elekid! Magmar is the perfect training partner. Elekid, you have a type advantage over Piplup & Staravia and Roselia has a better time over you. Both you and Magmar are even. So, let's start!" Zach explained, punching the air.

Magmar scoffed at Elekid. "(You are a disgrace. You keep on losing. It's not worthy for me to battle you!)Magmar, Mag. Magmar, Mar Mag!" Magmar yelled, using Mach Punch right on Elekid's face, sending the little Electric Type Pokémon flying.

Zach facepalmed. "Magmar, calm down!" He pleaded for Magmar to stop as Elekid struggled to get up.

Elekid was getting really angry now, He kept on thinking of his millions of losses and Magmar's rude behavior to him. This build-up of losses kept on making Elekid more and more angry. "(No! I am strong!!)Ele! Elekid!!" Elekid clenched his fist and started to glow. Eventually, he grew a tail and many black stripes running around his body. He kind of has an antennae, as opposed to the plug-like parts on his head.

"Wow" Zach smiled as he watched Elekid's evolution. Elekid had just evolved into Electabuzz. Checking his Poké Dex, Zach found out that Electabuzz learned Thunderbolt! "Awesome, Electabuzz! Let's try out Thunderbolt! Use it on Magmar! Magmar, counter with Flamethrower!"

Electabuzz shot a strong surge of electricity from its antennae which collided with Magmar's Flamethrower. They were pretty even, but then Electabuzz's Thunderbolt prevailed, dealing a lot of damage to Magmar! Zach screamed with delight. He recalled his Electabuzz and healed up Magmar & Electabuzz.

--------​

Zach entered the Pastoria Gym, only to see Jasmine battling Crasher Wake. Zach decided to wait until Jasmine, Anthony & Oliver did their battles before Zach would do his rematch.

"Elekid evolved and learned Thunderbolt." Zach told Caroline, Nick & Joe as Zach sat next to Caroline.

Caroline smiled. "Awesome! Hopefully now you'll be able to beat Crasher Wake."

"Yeah,"Nick started. "Although, Joe and I wont see it, since we will do the Great Marsh Contest when it starts. Joe nodded and Zach felt that was OK. At least he'd have his trusty girlfriend watching the match with him!

 

[Purplepassion]

~Anthony Anderson
~Chemical Town Contest Hall --------> Pastoria City, Sinnoh
~Team: Monferno, Eevee, Cranidos, Drifblim
~Badge Count: Three

~Dahlia Appleby
~Chemical Town Contest Hall -----------> Pastoria City, Sinnoh
~Team: Turtwig, Magmar, Eevee, Ralts
~Ribbon Count: Two

Dahlia soon won the match, and was presented with her third Ribbon. "Yes!" she cheered once she got it. She was going to tell Bridget she did a nice job, but she was nowhere to be found. Instead she met up with Anthony and the two went on their way.

As they passed the Valor Lakefront, Anthony saw a sign that stated that this would be the location of the Grand Festival. "You're awfully close to getting to the goal," he notified Dahlia. "Just one more and you're set."

Dahlia grinned. "Yes, that's right! I'll enter that Great Marsh Contest and win my last ribbon!" The two of them sped towards Pastoria City, and when they got there, they split up.

Anthony decided to go to the Gym and get his fourth badge. He walked over to the location of the Gym, just in time to see Zach lose against Crasher Wake's Empoleon. So he decided to go out and train a little more, just in case.

Dahlia, on the other hand, had gone to the contest hall and registered for the contest. She was offered a headband, but she politely refused, since she had her hat, anyway. After that she headed off to the Great Marsh to catch something, if she was lucky.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Once Anthony had finished training, he walked over to the Gym again, where Jasmine was battling Crasher Wake and Zach was waiting. Anthony sat down a little far from them, wanting to be alone for some thinking. He had gotten his strategy down- and he hoped it would work.

 

[Double-oh-Platypus]

Jasmine David
Pastoria City
Current Team: Piplup, Oddish, Abra, Growlithe, Sudowoodo
Badge Count: 3

Talia David
Pastoria City
Current Team: Grotle, Kirlia, Gastly, Spinda
Ribbon Count: 1

Jasmine would never admit it, but she was afraid that she might be fighting a losing battle. Crasher Wake's Floatzel was so much faster than her Piplup, but she had to put on a brave face. If anything, she had to at least persevere. Talia looked up to her and if she could pull through this she could pull through anything.

"Piplup, use Peck!" Jasmine ordered. Her Pokemon surged out of the water, catching the Floatzel off guard for a moment and attacking it with a ferociously hard beak. It grunted in pain and the two tumbled back into the water, stars flying everywhere from Floatzel's Swift attack.

"Piplup!" Jasmine called out. It was apparent that the thrashing mess in the water were the two Pokemon squaring off in an epic match of biting and scratching and pecking and pounding but neither Jazzy nor Crasher Wake seemed to have any idea how to control it.

"Piplup!" Jazzy called out again. "Use Bubble!" It seemed like a rather silly move to be using in the middle of the watery battlefield but if Piplup heard her then any stray bubbles would float to the surface.

None did.

With a cry of frustration from both ends, the referee almost called the match, but was stopped when a sudden blinding white light erupted from the pool. The witnesses shielded their eyes as the water reflected the light around the gym, letting it bounce off the walls and seats. There was an explosion of water and both Pokemon reappeared on two separate platforms, but something was different.

Piplup had evolved. The cute demeanor it had retained at the first stage of its evolutionary line had been shed for a more regal looking Pokemon with a golden mask connecting to its beak that reminded Jazzy very much of the one Crasher Wake wore just on the other side of the pool. A notification dinged on the brunette's PokeDex and she pulled it out, ignoring the new information on her Prinplup.

"Your Prinplup has now learned Metal Claw and Bubble has been upgraded to Bubblebeam," the mechanical voice chirped.

The tables had turned again.

Wake, however, laughed. "Your steel-type moves will do little damage against my Floatzel," he commented airily. "Are you sure you made the right decision in choosing your Pokemon?"

"Of course I did," Jasmine replied. "Prinplup, Metal Claw!" The move definitely caught their opponents off guard and the penguin's slashing steel wings sent Floatzel diving into the water.

"Now use Bubblebeam," the skater called. A blast of bubbles trailed the water weasel as it sought cover from the relentless attacks. It appeared on a platform not too far away and released a flurry of stars that sent Prinplup head over heels into the water.

As Jasmine watched her Pokemon swim lazily through the water, she thought about strategies. Fighting water with water was hard and the new steel-type move would do little to no damage on Wake's Floatzel. That still left Peck and Tackle, but they weren't very strong attacks. She would just have to wear it down and hope that in turn, the Floatzel's speed did not wear her down.

"Prinplup, use Peck on the platform and then Tackle," she ordered. Her Pokemon burst forth from the water from beneath the now broken platform, tackling the water weasel back with a splash. That's when Jasmine got her idea.

"Use Bubblebeam, but cloud its vision!" She hollered. "Then Peck its brains out!" It was a little extreme but her temper, along with Crasher Wake's, was growing thin.

Lucky for their tempers, the battle did not last much longer. With its vision clouded, Wake's Floatzel became increasingly confused and managed to crash into the pool wall twice and hit its head on the underside of the platform. Prinplup, meanwhile, had continued to follow its movements through the pool, pecking at it when it had the opportunity. When both rose again to the surface, only Prinplup was still conscious.

"Floatzel is unable to battle, the winner is Prinplup. Therefore, the challenger, Jasmine David, has won the battle," the referee chanted. With a grunt, Wake returned his Floatzel and tossed a badge across the water to Jasmine, who caught it skillfully with one hand while returning her newly evolved Pokemon to the other. It had been a good day for Pokemon all around, but Jazzy watched in mild amusement as the gym leader stalked away in search of more Pokemon, for a crowd of waiting trainers had started to gather.

"That was great, Jazz," Talia chimed as she joined her sister near the door. She had no intentions of sitting around to watch any more battles and besides, Jasmine needed to heal her Pokemon.

"Thanks," the oldest David sister replied as they made their way to the Pokemon Centre. "I'm not sure what I would have done if Piplup hadn't evolved though. I just got insanely lucky there."

Talia nodded her head, agreeing, before her eyes were drawn to the entrance to the Great Marsh. "I know the contest isn't for another couple of hours, but do you want to maybe explore the Great Marsh a bit?" she asked as Jazzy handed her Pokemon to Nurse Joy. "I don't intend to catch anything, but you never know what you might find in there."

Jasmine contemplated the idea for a moment before nodding. "Alright," she said. "Just make sure you bring your dress and everything; there's probably a place backstage where you can change."

"Awesome," Talia replied. Nurse Joy handed Jasmine her Pokemon back and the two sisters treaded off towards the Great Marsh in search of an adventure.

 

[Silver_Seoul]

Oliver
Pastoria City, Sinnoh
Current Team: Monferno, Luxio, Buizel, Gligar
Badge Count: 3

When Oliver arrived in the city, Bridget was nowhere to be found. He checked his Poketch, sighing as he realized she wouldn't be there to watch his match. Shrugging, he slumped his way to the Gym and entered just in time to see Talia winning the battle against the Gym Leader and being handed a badge. He noticed Anthony sitting on the other side of the arena and he had yet to step up and be the next challenger, so Oliver decided to take control. Walking up to the man, he challenged him to a Gym match and they both took their places on opposite sides of the battlefield, which was really just a giant pool with floating platforms for non-water typed Pokemon to stand on.

"The match will be a four-on-four," the referee began to explain. "Only the challenger may substitute Pokemon. First to lose all four Pokemon is the loser. Let the battle begin!" He waved the green flag and Wake tossed out what Oliver recognized as a Mantine. He recalled they were flying types so he decided on Gligar. Tossing the capsule into the air, the scorpion glided around the upper areas of the gym, grinning in eagerness to begin his match. He had the Razor Fang from earlier tied around his neck, but as of yet it hadn't done anything. Oliver hoped some experience would help activate it.

"Mantine, use Bounce!" Crasher Wake roared at the top of his lungs, the raging waters complimenting the bass in his voice. The manta ray leaped out of the water and into the air, encasing itself in a bubble of violent air. It swirled around, adding momentum to the jump. As Mantine began to plummet to the ground, the sphere grew larger and sped up his descent. Oliver waited until Mantine was a few feet in the air before countering.

"Gligar, fly up and then trail behind Mantine," he called out. The Pokemon shifted his weight to the side and began to travel into the air, circling around the manta ray and gliding just behind it. "Now, get on its back and use X-Scissor," Oliver gazed in the air as Gligar sped towards Mantine, landing gently on its back and using its claws to grab hold of the antennae, the pincers glowing in the process. He clenched them tighter and crossed them in an 'X' formation, slicing Mantine's back and sending it flying into the water in pain.

Oliver smirked as a splash was made, Gligar flying happily above his fallen opponent. But then Mantine hopped into the air, headbutting Gligar straight into the water and into the bottom of the pool, knocking him out. Oliver looked on in awe and bent his head in shame. "Thanks Gligar, I shouldn't have been so confident just yet..." he murmured, returning him to his Pokeball. He looked back up with determination and sent out Monferno. "I know we've got a bad type situation here, but I'm trusting you, okay?" Monferno nodded and punched the air, ready for battle.

"You messing with me, boy?!" Wake yelled. "Mantine's flying attacks and water attacks are super effective against that ape of yours." He laughed loudly and ordered Mantine to fire off a Bubblebeam. The ray leaped into the air again, flapping its wings as it shot a stream of blue pellets that collided with Monferno, knocking him into the air. "Now use Bounce!" Mantine was surrounded by a spiral of air that became a sphere yet again as he flew towards Monferno, full-speed.

Oliver watched as Monferno fell towards the water with Mantine chasing him from behind. "Monferno, use Mach Punch to steer your fall and bounce off that platform, then use Nasty Plot and Heat Wave!" Oliver knew it wouldn't do much, but he had his plan in place. The monkey's fist began to glow as he used the speed to fling himself out of Mantine's path and towards a platform, colliding with it and sending himself flying back upwards. He was surrounded by a storm of black lightning that outlined his body and turned the flame on his tail purple. Oliver raised an eyebrow; this was new.

"Mantine, use your Aqua Ring now!" Wake yelled. His Pokemon was surrounded by a veil of water that began to restore his health while Monferno powered up.

Oliver was prepared, though. "Monferno, launch your Heat Wave into the center of the pool now!" The Pokemon inhaled deeply, his chest stretching out in the process, and suddenly released an enormous storm of fiery wind that impacted the water so strongly it began to turn to steam. The heat was too much for Mantine to handle and it was forced to fly out into the air; It launched a Hydro Pump but Monferno was prepared, following up with an aerial Flame Wheel. It pushed through the stream of water and collided with Mantine, both Pokemon falling into the pool.

"Both Mantine and Monferno are unable to battle," the ref declared. Both trainers recalled their Pokemon and grabbed another Pokeball. Wake sent out Vaporeon and Oliver sent out Buizel. Both Pokemon stood on top of the water, able to manipulate the water at their feet. Buizel crossed his arms as Vaporeon raised its tail, staring at it with spite. Vaporeon began the match, launching an Aurora Beam. The multi-colored stream of energy pierced Buizel's side but nearly missed by a fraction of an inch.

Oliver let out a breath of relief and began his attack. "Buizel, use Aqua Jet and then Brick Break!" Buizel was surrounded by a bubble of water that turned into a streamline jet that propelled him towards Vaporeon. Just as he was going to collide he performed a flip that launched him over and behind his opponent, his hand glowing brightly. Vaporeon was prepared, as was Chuck, as a storm of water molecules shielded Vaporeon's body from the attack, sending Buizel flying into the water. Oliver looked surprised, but Wake didn't waste time, ordering another Aurora Beam. Oliver wasn't sure where Buizel was, but the impact wouldn't be pretty.

Suddenly his sea weasel leaped into the air and launched a sphere of water that stopped the beam in its tracks, sending it flying back as it grew into a giant wave of water that flung Vaporeon into the air, being knocked back into a wall with a surprise Pursuit attack. The ref declared Buizel the winner and Oliver cheered. Buizel had been on a winning streak lately, but he wouldn't let that get him too excited. Wake grumbled, sending out his next Pokemon.

"Lanturn, knock that thing down to size with a Rain Dance and Thunder combo," Wake smirked. Lanturn's body was outlined in blue and a storm cloud suddenly appeared above the battlefield, raining in the battle section of the building. Oliver smirked just the same as Buizel's speed was supercharged, his ability activating. Lanturn launched a gigantic blast of electricity at the sea weasel but he evaded by hopping into the air. Lanturn and Wake knew this was their chance to put it out of commission, launching a Thunderbolt into the air and sending Buizel flying back onto the platform, incapable of battling any longer. It didn't take much to knock it out, but at least it did something.

All Oliver had left now was Luxio, so he put all his faith into the Pokemon as he tossed the capsule into the air, letting out his electric lion. With a roar, it was surrounded by a coat of electricity. "Luxio, launch a Spark!" The Pokemon sent out a blast of lightning but Lanturn was unphased, instead seeming to become healthier. Oliver realized Lanturn's ability must make it resistant to Electric attacks, so Oliver went for full-on offense. "Use Iron Tail," he ordered. He knew it wouldn't do much but it was his only option. The tip of Luxio's star-shaped tail was coated with a metallic aura as he slammed it into Lanturn, sending it flying into the wall.

"Lanturn never did have a high-enough defense to endure enough battling..." Wake grumbled, pulling out his final Pokeball. He sent out Gastrodon - a blue one - and ordered it to use Mud Bomb. Atop its head, a sphere of dirty water was formed and launched at Luxio. The lion leaped into the air, dodging it and attempting to shock it. The Spark didn't affect it, though, so Oliver was again stuck with just Iron Tail and Crunch. Luxio landed on the platform and hopped left and right, approaching his opponent speedily.

"Gastrodon, knock it back with Hydro Pump!" Wake screeched. The sea slug fired a blast of highly pressurized water but Luxio took the chance to open his jaws, collecting static on the outline of his teeth. Oliver caught on quickly.

"Deflect it with Thunder Fang," he said and watched as the water was kept at bay by the electric atoms. The energy they put off was too strong for the water molecules to come any closer and instead the attack was redirected, flying back to Gastrodon. Wake ordered it to jump out of the way which was his first and final mistake. Luxio hit a single Iron Tail dead-on, knocking Gastrodon out. The Gym Leader re-called his Pokemon and met Oliver in the center of the arena, congratulating him on his win. He gave him a badge and sent him off.




(OOC: I think this is the longest thing I have ever typed... on the internet (excluding things like school essays, homework assignments, etc. )

 

[Torpoleon]

Zach & Caroline VS Jasmine & Talia

Zach Hiken
Pastoria City Gym, Sinnoh--> Pastoria City Great Marsh Sinnoh
Current Team: Piplup, Magmar, Roselia, Staravia & Electabuzz
Badges: 3/8

Caroline Rubie
Pastoria City Gym, Sinnoh--> Pastoria City Great Marsh, Sinnoh
Current Team: Monferno, Mismagius, Cherrim, Togepi & Eevee
Ribbons: 3/4

While watching Jasmine and then Oliver receive their badges a thought occured to Zach. maybe he should start training his Electabuzz for Zach's rematch with Crasher Wake.

"Hey, Caroline," Zach turned to his girlfriend after Oliver got his Fen Badge. "Want to go to the Pastoria City Great Marsh and have a tab battle with Jasmine & Talia? They are supposed to be there."

Caroline hesitated. Caroline definitely didn't want to get mud on her clothes, but she figured that everything would be fine. "OK. Joe & Nick, you guys can stay here. We'll be back in a jiff." Caroline remarked as she and her boyfriend got up to go to the Pastoria City Great Marsh.

---------​

Outside the gym, Zach & Caroline noticed Jasmine & Talia just about to enter the Pastoria City Great Marsh. Zach & Caroline called for them as they ran to the sisters.

"Hey, want to have a tag battle with us before you girls go to the Great Marsh?" Zach asked the sisters, putting his arm around Caroline.

The two sisters hesitated. They haven't had unofficial battles wit Zach nor Caroline, eventually they agreed and to Caroline's relief, they wouldn't be in the Great Marsh, but will be outside it.

"OK. How about we all use one Pokémon?" Zach asked all the girls, to which they all nodded in agreement. "Alright! Electabuzz, I choose you!" Zach enlarged a Poké Ball from his belt which opened up, revealing Electabuzz. Jasmine brought out Sudowoodo, probably a new capture, and Talia brought out Grotle. Caroline brought out Togepi which is a risky move, since Grotle is strong and Sudowoodo is probably strong too.

Caroline started off the match. "Togepi, use Metronome on Grotle!" Caroline pointed at the intended target, Grotle as Togepi waved her hands back and forth, with them eventually glowing. Togepi's eyes flashed as a spiral of fire shot straight for Grotle. Jasmine's Sudowoodo had used Mimic, after Tigepi used Metronome and then Sudowoodo's Metronome turned out to be Water Gun, canceling out Fire Spin, which was what Togepi used. Grotle knocked out Togepi with one Razor Leaf.

Caroline recalled her Pokémon. "I'm sorry, Zach honey." Caroline cooed to her boyfriend, as she kissed him, wishing him luck, even though she'd still be watching the match.

"Don't do that in public." Zach whispered back to her and then ordered Electabuzz to use Thunderbolt on Grotle.

Instead, Electabuzz's eyes glowed blue. What was Electabuzz doing? (DOP, you can reference Electabuzz learning Psychic.)

 

[Purplepassion]

~Anthony Anderson
~Pastoria City, Sinnoh
~Team: Monferno, Eevee, Rampardos, Drifblim
~Badge Count: Three

~Dahlia Appleby
~Pastoria City Great Marsh, Sinnoh
~Team: Turtwig, Magmar, Eevee, Ralts, Horsea
~Ribbon Count: Two

Dahlia looked around the vast marsh that was home to many Pokemon. Holding a Safari Ball in her hand, she ran towards a nearby pond and took out a small snack. Holding it over the water, she waited.

After a moment, a Horsea jumped up and attempted to eat the snack. Quickly, Dahlia threw the Safari Ball and it landed in the pond, floating and beeping. The Safari Ball gave one last ping before it quieted down. Picking up the Safari Ball out of the water, Dahlia grinned. She had a feeling that the Horsea would be a great help somehow.

~~~~~~~

Anthony had gone out for a little while since he had found flaws in his strategy. After that, he went back in only to see that Oliver had gained his badge. He sighed. This meant he'd be last again! Walking over to the leader, he challenged him to a Gym battle.

After the referee explained the match rules, Anthony took out a Pokeball. He threw it, and Drifblim came out. Crasher Wake had sent out a Pokemon he had used against his battle with Jazzy - a Quagsire. It floated in the water, relaxed like it was last time it was sent out.

"Jump and use Slam!" Wake called, and Quagsire did so. The attack had nearly pushed Drifblim into the water. Slowly, the baloon Pokemon drifted back up.

Adjusting his glasses, Anthony yelled, "Use Payback!" knowing the attack would be twice as strong now. Though it managed to hit Quagsire, Drifblim had also crashed into the wall, getting more damage than before. This time it really did plunge into the water, but only for a minute. Anthony could see how tired it was getting - Drifblim was not floating in the air as steadily as it should have been. Anthony quickly changed his tactics and said, "Try an Ominous Wind!"

The wind sent Quagsire back just a little, before it landed in the water and sprang up again. "Slam again!" Wake yelled, and Quagsire leaped forward to finish it up.

"Shadow Ball, quick!" Anthony said, but by then it was too late. As Drifblim launched the dark sphere, Quagsire slammed Drifblim to the ground. But the Shadow Ball that Drifblim made headed towards Quagsire, and it was hit hard. Both had fainted, making the first round a tie.

Anthony and Wake sent out their next Pokemon. Anthony had sent out his Eevee while Wake sent out his Mantine. This time Anthony was the first to make a move. "Tackle!" he said, knowing it wouldn't do very much good. Eevee rammed into Mantine, but it seemed as if Mantine had not felt it at all. Wake told Mantine to use Hydro Pump, and a strong current of water went toward Eevee. Luckily, Eevee had dodged it by diving into the water. It hopped onto a platform, waiting for its next command.

"Quick Attack!" Anthony called out. Eevee sprinted towards Mantine fast enough to not be seen. Once it was behind Mantine, it fired off a Shadow Ball. Mantine landed on the ground, hit by the surprise attack. "Shadow Ball again!" Anthony said, and Eevee threw one last Shadow Ball at Mantine. Mantine tried to get up, but couldn't.

This meant Anthony was halfway there. Just two more and he would claim victory! Wake sent out his third Pokemon, a Gastrodon. Like Quagsire, it seemed relaxed, but just a little less than Quagsire had been. "Use Mud Bomb!" Wake yelled, now able to use Ground-type moves since Drifblim had fainted. The large blob of mud was hurled toward Eevee, and the attack was so strong it knocked it out in one hit. Anthony sighed as he recalled Eevee - the other two Pokemon he had were very weak to Water-types. Still, he'd give it a try. Once Cranidos had been sent out he began to glow. When it stopped glowing, it was now a Rampardos.

"Wow, you evolved," Anthony said to Ramparados. There was a beep from his Pokedex, and he looked at it. "Dig and Iron Tail, eh? Try an Iron Tail!"

Gastrodon was hit by the Iron Tail, which had gotten stronger due to the evolution. But it quickly retaliated with a Mud Bomb. Rampardos was sent back just a little, and Anthony told it to use Assurance. Gastrodon was hit hard, and it threw one last Mud Bomb before fainting. Rampardos was getting tired - the Mud Bomb had hit it hard. Anthony tossed an Oran Berry to it, and Rampardos was back up again in a matter of seconds.

Wake sent his last Pokemon out, his Vaporeon. "Use Hydro Pump!" he called to Vaporeon. Rampardos was more powerful, but it was slow, too. It only managed to get up slowly, obviously very tired.

"Assurance!" Anthony called out, but Vaporeon quickly followed up with another Hydro Pump. Rampardos was down. Anthony recalled it and then sent out his last Pokemon as well. Monferno frowned, knowing that it wouldn't do much damage.

Wake grinned, then yelled, "Use Water Pulse!" He knew Anthony had a very slim chance of winning, so he decided to finish it quick.

"Mach Punch!" Anthony yelled. Monferno went by Vaporeon very quickly and managed to punch it several times. But Vaporeon hit it with a Water Pulse, and Monferno quickly retaliated. In a few moments, both Monferno and Vaporeon were getting tired.

Before Wake could call out his next move, Anthony said, "Finish it! Mach Punch!" and Monferno punched Vaporeon hard. It landed on the floor, unable to battle.

The referee held up a green flag in Anthony's direction. "The winner of this match is the challenger, Anthony Anderson!" Anthony grinned. What a close call! he thought. Crasher Wake handed him the Fen Badge, grumbling. Anthony knew Zach would have a rematch soon, but he didn't have time to waste. He headed in the direction of the Great Marsh after healing his Pokemon.

 

[Double-oh-Platypus]

Jasmine David
Pastoria City
Current Team: Prinplup, Oddish, Abra, Growlithe, Sudowoodo
Badge Count: 4

Talia David
Pastoria City
Current Team: Grotle, Kirlia, Gastly, Spinda
Ribbon Count: 1

Jasmine really didn't know how she had let herself get talked into a battle with her sister against Zach and Caroline, but she had a strong suspicion that this was not part of the birthday present Talia had promised her. They had been winning as Talia's Grotle had effectively knocked out Caroline's Togepi but now that Zach's Electabuzz had learned Psychic, the tables had turned once again.

"Grotle, Earthquake!" Talia ordered. The attack, being ground-based, should be super effective against an electric type Pokemon such as Electabuzz.

"Sudowoodo, follow up with Wood Hammer," Jasmine replied. She had taken the time earlier to check up on the types of moves that Sudowoodo learned and was pleased to find a grass type move in his arsenal. While not super effective against Electabuzz (it was still expected to pack quite a punch), it would be most useful in matches against water type Pokemon that Sudowoodo was weak to.

The ground rumbled beneath their feet as Grotle used his weight to send the earth shaking. However, it was plain to see that Electabuzz was not the only Pokemon effected by the attack. Sudowoodo, who had been in the middle of a sprinting attack, had collapsed to the ground, attempting to hold on to something solid. As the ground stopped shaking, Zach decided to take a chance.

"Quick Attack on the Grotle!" he ordered his electric Pokemon. In a flash, the yellow and black beast had struck out at the grass-turtle, knocking him over. "Follow up with a Low Kick!"

"Sudowoodo, get in there and use Wood Hammer," Jasmine ordered. Her Pokemon stumbled to his feet, clearly disoriented as Zach's Elctabuzz jabbed hard at Talia's Pokemon.

"Grotle, use Razor Leaf!" Talia called out. She had no interest in whether or not she and her sister lost or not, but more whether or not Grotle got hurt. It looked like it was in serious pain as it cowered, allowing its protective shell to absorb part of the damage. Still, a flurry of leaves exploded from the shrubs on its back, slicing at the Elctabuzz and momentarily blinding it. That was when Sudowoodo appeared, his branch-like arm glowing with power. It swung brutally, knocking the electric Pokemon a side towards its end of the field.

"Electabuzz, let's try out that new Psychic attack," Zach said enthusiastically. It was a surprise to Jasmine really, and she wondered when Zach had had time to teach a move like that to his Pokemon; Psychic wasn't a normally learned move by the species and could only be taught to it if the trainer bought method books from a store and worked hard at pulling off the attack.

Still, for a first time it was highly successful. The pressure of the psychic energy weighed down on the Electabuzz's opponents, Grotle clearly tired and Sudowoodo still full of energy. Zach could see this too, and sensing that he had a chance to turn the tables, barked out another order.

"Finish off that Grotle with Brick Break!" He called out. As the sisters' Pokemon fought to recover, the electric Pokemon raced across the field, his hand glowing with strength. It brought its arm down on Grotle, who sank to its knees. Being a highly defensive Pokemon, it wasn't out for the count yet.

"Sudowoodo, Wood Hammer!" Jasmine cried. It was the only attack that had enough power at close range to cause any damage, but Electabuzz had already dealt out a second blow to Grotle, who finally fainted under fatigue.

"Oh no!" Talia cried out as an energetic Sudowoodo caught Zach's Electabuzz off guard. The two dueled their way out to the middle of the field in hand-to-hand combat while Talia returned her injured comrade. "Jasmine, I need to get to the Pokemon Centre," the blonde said, tears filling her eyes. "I promise I'll be back as soon as Grotle's healed."

"Don't worry," Jasmine replied, distracted by the battle. "Just do what you have to do." Her sister nodded once, dashing off towards the red-roofed building that would be able to heal her Pokemon free of charge.

"Electabuzz, Psychic!" Zach called.

"Sudowoodo, quick, use Mimic!" Jazzy countered. Both Pokemon focussed on their opponent, the air heavy with the weight of psychic energy. It was as if someone had turned off the sound in their own private bubble. Jasmine could only hear the sound of her own breathing, the sound of the wind in the trees and the Starlys chirping and the slow gurgle of the stream blotted out. Finally, the tension broke and both Pokemon stumbled backward, heavily fatigued.

The image of Talia racing off with her Grotle's Poke Ball clutched in her hand and she sighed. "You know what?" she asked, not pausing for an answer. It was a rhetorical question anyway. "I know that Pokemon battles are for fun, but both our Pokemon look like they're under a lot of strain, especially since your Electabuzz just learned that new Psychic move. It doesn't know how to fully control it yet and it looks exhausted. I think we should call it a tie here. Besides, I just had a battle with Crasher Wake and even though Sudowoodo wasn't use, I, for one, am tired. Thanks for the battle, though. I better go check up on Talia and make sure that her Grotle is okay." She motioned for Sudowoodo to follow her, feeling that, despite the strain of the battle, it could probably use a bit more time to run around and burn off some energy. With a half-hearted wave to her opponents, the brunette and her rock-type Pokemon jogged off towards the Pokemon Centre.

 

[Torpoleon]

Psychic Training & The Great Marsh Contest Appeal Round!

(So, I'll start the contest now!)
Zach Hiken
Pastoria City, Sinnoh--> Pastoria City Gym, Sinnoh
Current Team: Piplup, Magmar, Roselia, Staravia & Electabuzz
Badges: 3/8

Caroline Rubie
Pastoria City Gym, Sinnoh
Current Team: Monferno, Mismagius, Cherrim, Togepi & Eevee
Ribbons: 3/4

Zach noticed that Caroline had left, probably waiting for him to come to the gym. Zach hoped she remembered to heal Togepi!

"Electabuzz!" Zach called out to his strongest team member. "Want to practice using Psychic some more?" Electabuzz nodded, saying the damage he took was nothing!

--------​

The two find some nice trees to practice on. Psychic is a move where you control the enemy momentarily, so trees are great to practice on! (As long as you don't go crazy and destroy all the trees in the world!)

"OK! First, gain control of that tree!" Zach enthusiastically yelled, pointing at a tree to the left of them.

Electabuzz nodded. First, he closed his eyes and put his hands out in front of him. He gained control of the tree for a short period of time, but couldn't hold it. Zach decided to heal Electabuzz and came back to see if that would help. Electabuzz could gain control longer now! It depends on how much HP Electabuzz has left! Although, Electabuzz couldn't lift it, although he could it eventually.

After quite a few minutes, Electabuzz got the hang of using Psychic and could now fully control it, hopefully. Zach healed Electabuzz once more and made his way to the Pastoria City Gym!

---------​

Elsewhere, the Great Marsh Contest was starting!

"Hello, everyone!" Marian greeted all the contestants via TV Monitor. "This is the contest held at the Pastoria Great Marsh! I'm your MC with our judges; Mr. Contesta, Mr. Sukizo & Pastoria City's Nurse Joy!! Now, our first contestant is Joe from Olivine City!"

"I moved to Canalave City." Joe said softly as he made his way to the stage.

After his performance, Nick went and both felt confident in their appeals. Some random people went and then Nick & Joe recognized one of Zach & Caroline's friends going!

 

[Double-oh-Platypus]

Talia David
Pastoria City
Current Team: Grotle, Kirlia, Gastly, Spinda
Ribbon Count: 1

How could I have been so stupid? Talia thought angrily as she waited her turn in for her appeal. By participating in the battle earlier had pretty much guaranteed that Grotle would be in no shape to take on the battle rounds of the contest. It had forced her to revise her whole plan, and if Caroline had been entering the contest Talia would have suspected treachery. However, Caroline could be seen seated in the stands and the skater was unable to come up with another reason for the battle. Still, she was fuming at her own stupidity and had to take several deep breaths to regain her composure for her appeal.

She plastered a smile on her face, grabbing Grotle's Poke Ball and tossing it into the air. As a last minute adjustment to her appeal and battle rounds, she had stuck a glittery seal on her starter's Poke Ball and as she released him with a flourish of her arm and a shouted, "Grotle, centre stage!" her giant grass turtle appeared surrounded by sparkles.

"Quick, Grotle, use Earthquake!" Talia ordered. She watched as her Pokemon reared up onto its hind legs before pounding the stage as he returned to earth. The sparkles, which were falling slowly onto the stage, were blown away by the shocking magnitude of the attack, flying out over the crowd who oohed and awed.

"Grotle, now use Razor Leaf just like the way we practiced," Talia commanded, twirling so that the pink skirting on her skating dress flowed around her. Grotle released two razor sharp leaves that soared out over the crowd before returning back to the starter. There were a few gasps in the crowd, but Talia had things under control. "Finish off with Bite!" she ordered. Her Pokemon chomped down on the two leaves, turning them to dust as Talia came prancing to the edge of the stage, striking an elegant pose.

The crowd applauded politely as Talia returned her Pokemon and turned to the judges to hear what they had to say.

"A nice appeal, though not up to the usual standards we see from you," Mr. Contesta said with a polite smile. "Still, it was an interesting take, as if you'd just put it together."

If you only knew, Talia thought with a wry smile.

"It was pretty remarkable," Mr. Sukizo added, his own smile shifting slightly.

"Well executed, though short," Nurse Joy said. "Both you and Grotle look tired though; I hope you're not over-working yourselves."

Talia shook her head, bowing to the judges as she exited the stage, sweeping her hair out of her face. The anger of the battle before still flowed through her veins, but anxiousness was also mixed in. What if she didn't pass to the battle round? Whatever happened, Talia knew that she wouldn't be forgiving Caroline very easily next time they met.

 

[Torpoleon]

Zach VS Crasher Wake (Rematch)

(I start in school in one week.)
Zach Hiken
Pastoria City Gym, Sinnoh
Current Team: Piplup, Magmar, Roselia, Staravia & Electabuzz
Badges: 3/8

Caroline Rubie
Pastoria City Gym, Sinnoh
Current Team: Monferno, Mismagius, Cherrim, Togepi & Eevee
Ribbons: 3/4

Zach entered the Pastoria City Gym, with Electabuzz, to see Crasher Wake on the opposite side of the gym.

"So," Crasher Wake started, pointing at Zach. "You must have evolved your Elekid. What do you say to a one on one Electabuzz VS Empoleon match?"

Zach took his spot and nodded. He also noticed how only Caroline was in the stands, which meant that the Great Marsh Contest already started. What was Caroline doing here? Shouldn't she be at the contest?

"Alright, Empoleon! Time to come on out!" Crasher Wake shouted, as he enlarged Empoeon's Poké Ball with the big penguin popping out from the ball. Empoleon was pleasantly surprised to see Elekid evolved. He motioned for Electabuzz to bring it on by waving his flipper, to which Electabuzz grinned. Electabuzz can take Empoleon on!

"Let's start off with Psychic! Then, follow up with Thunderbolt!" Zach commanded, ready to see how the training went.

Caroline was shocked and happy to see Electabuzz with Psychic. Crasher Wake grinned. "Shake it off with Steel Wing and counter Thunderbolt with Metal Claw, Empoleon!"

Zach knew exactly what to do from this. Psychic wouldn't work from Empoleon's strength to shake it off with Steel Wing. Empoleon blocked Thunderbolt with Metal Claw, although it was hard to block. Smoke appeared and from the smoke, Empoleon was jabbed in the chin with a Brick Break, courtesy of Empoleon!

Empoleon countered an oncoming Thunderbolt with Drill Peck, but eventually couldn't take it and took a ton of damage from Thunderbolt! Double Brick Break & Steel Wing made multiple collisions and then Thunderbolt & Hydro Cannon made a very close collision. Caroline covered her face with her hands from the explosion, as did Zach, Crasher Wake & the referee.

From the explosion, Empoleon fell and Electabuzz was fine! Zach went over to hug Electabuzz. Now Zach is half way down with the Sinnoh Region Badges!

"Zach," Crasher Wake started, after returning Empoleon and walking over to Zach & Electabuzz. "You ahve improved so much from the first match. Take what you have learned and I wish you best of luck. Here........is the Fen Badge." Crasher Wake turned quiter as he handed Zach the badge.

Zach gladly accepted the badge as he recalled Electabuzz and made his way to the contest with his girlfriend. Of course they were holding hands.

"Man, if those two are trying to hide their love, they aren't do so good." Crasher Wake said when Zach & Caroline left.

"Yeah, sure. So, I still get payed, right?" The referee asked, putting the flags away.

Crasher Wake stared at the referee blankly.

 

[Silver_Seoul]

Oliver
Pastoria City, Sinnoh
Current Team: Monferno, Luxio, Buizel, Gligar
Badge Count: 3

Oliver still couldn't find Bridget and his Pokemon were still recovering from the match with Crasher Wake. Bending his head down, he realized Bridget was probably depressed from still not having any ribbons, unlike the rest of her colleagues. Oliver nodded his head, understanding now. He made a rushed decision to enter the nearest contest and win that ribbon for her. Luckily, he saw a poster for a Contest at the Great Marsh just north of the city. After retrieving his PokeBalls from the Nurse, he rushed to the Contest Hall and registered, heading to change.

--------------------------

After a few coordinators appeals, Oliver was called to the stage. He entered, the spotlight shining on him as he tossed a PokeBall into the air. Buizel emerged from a cloud of smoke that condensed into water particles, giving him a speed boost. His tails began to spin in place, lifting him into the air. He winked at the crowd as Oliver began his on-the-spot appeal. "Buizel, launch a Water Pulse to the ground," he ordered. Buizel opened his mouth and launched a sphere of compressed water molecules to the arena floor and it spread into a wave now under Buizel's control.

"Now, dive in and launch a Swift!" Buizel stopped hovering in the air an dropped inside the spinning vortex, unleashing a flurry of star-shaped energy rays that penetrated the cyclone's walls and created a dazzling show of lights and vapor. As the steam cleared out the fluids, Oliver took a bow and the judges began to rate his performance.

"Remarkable," Mr. Sukizo started. Oliver was used to it by now.

"Short, but to the point." Mr. Contesta added, shaking his head in the process.

"Buizel is a very well-trained Pokemon, and his attacks are simply amazing." Nurse Joy explained. Oliver took one last bow and exited the stage, hoping he could go all the way and win that ribbon for Bridget.

 

[Purplepassion]

~Dahlia Appleby
~Great Marsh Contest Hall, Sinnoh
~Team: Turtwig, Magmar, Eevee, Ralts, Horsea
~Ribbon Count: Two

Anthony had gone to heal his Pokemon from the recent gym battle, so Dahlia went on ahead to the Contest Hall. She dressed up in a plain red dress and grabbed Horsea's Safari Ball. She grinned, before passing Oliver and going towards the stage.

The crowd waited for Dahlia, who was standing there remembering her strategy. Finally she threw her Safari Ball up in the air, yelling, "Go, Horsea!"

Her newly caught Pokemon appeared in the midst of many bubbles. "Before you fall, quickly use Water Gun!" Dahlia commanded, and Horsea squirted a jet of water upwards. "Now, aim it at the bubbles!"

The current of water popped each bubble before returning to its place in the center. By then Horsea was on the ground, making a fountain of blue sparkles.

When the appeal was finished, the judges began to state their opinion.

"A nice routine to do," Mr. Contesta commented.

"Remarkable!" Mr. Sukizo said once more.

Nurse Joy smiled and said, "It reminds me of a similar appeal."

Dahlia bowed and went backstage. She bumped into Elly, who glared at her. "Hi!" Dahlia said, trying to make friends with her instead of making Elly hate her even more. Elly scowled and walked past her.

"Seriously, why doesn't she take it easy?" Dahlia wondered aloud.

 

[Torpoleon]

The Great Marsh Contest Battle Round #1- Nick VS Joe!

(School started today, but I don't have tests/quizzes this "week", since it is just today and tomorrow, and homework is VERY small, so I will be active a lot until Monday when things will kick off! The remaining details on the contest are in the recent post of the Discussion Thread. Silver Seoul, you can make Oliver VS Nick one post. Let's try to get the contest finished before the expected lag next week!)
Zach Hiken
Great Marsh Contest Stands, Sinnoh
Current Team: Piplup, Magmar, Roselia, Staravia & Electabuzz
Badges: 3/8

Caroline Rubie
Great Marsh Contest Stands, Sinnoh
Current Team: Monferno, Mismagius, Cherrim, Togepi & Eevee
Ribbons: 3/4

Zach & Caroline watched the appeals from the stands, only clapping when one of their friends was up. Although, they didn't clap when Nick winked at Caroline telling her "This is for you, baby!" Although, Joe's Prinplup & Nick's Monferno did do good when the appeals were over, as did everyone else.

When the results were in, Marian revealed that only two people did not make it past the Appeal Round, heightening the chances of all Zach & Caroline's friends to get past the Appeal Round! Fortunately, everyone did. Talia, Oliver, Angel (although there was nothing fortunate about that), Dahlia, Dahlia's Rival, Elly, Joe, Nick & an unknown person. Two unknown people didn't make it through. Marian also revealed what the Round 1 match ups were. Joe & Nick will be battling each other, which didn't come as a surprise to Zach, Caroline, Nick & Joe.

Before the match started, Zach asked Caroline, "Why didn't you enter the contest? It would be good for you to get your final ribbon."

Caroline smiled. "I wanted to watch my favorite boyfriend win his fourth badge." Caroline hugged and kissed Zach and continued to hug Zach through the rest of the contest, to Zach's pleasure. Then, the match started with Zach & Caroline watching!

------​

Joe & Nick were on opposite ends of the stage, where Nick wanted to win. He only had two ribbons and Joe didn't need a ribbon, although Joe would try and give it his all. The five-minute clock started and Nick & Joe released their Pokémon from their Poké Balls, each of them with new Pokémon. Joe has a Murkrow and Nick has a Haunter! Joe has the advantage with types.

Joe ordered Murkrow to go straight in with Pursuit which hit, keeping Murkrow close but then Haunter counters with Thunderbolt! This sent Murkrow flying and Joe lost a ton of points. Joe didn't let that both him as he went in with Aerial Ace, which Haunter dodged and immediately knocked out Murkrow with another Thunderbolt. Clearly Murkrow needs more training as that was quick match! Joe & Nick recalled their Pokémon and shook hands. Joe & Nick watched the rest of the performances backstage.

 

[Double-oh-Platypus]

Talia David
Pastoria City
Current Team: Grotle, Kirlia, Gastly, Spinda
Ribbon Count: 1

The first round of the battle round kicked off with two boys Talia didn't know. It was over soon enough, leaving Talia feeling a little sick. She was planning on using Gastly, which was nerve wracking. Her ghost-Pokemon had never been used in the battle rounds before.

Talia stepped out onto the stage to the polite applause of the crowd, facing a young girl not much older than her. She was a red-head with cute little freckles dotting her face and brilliant green eyes. She smiled at Talia, who returned the smile as the MC began to talk.

"Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the next battle of the preliminary battle round. In front of you today is Talia David and Rosalie Knowles. These two girls will be battling for a spot in our semi-finals in a five minute battle. Whoever has the least amount of points or no points at all when the buzzer rings will be the winner. Let the battle begin!"

"Go, Vaporeon," Rosalie shouted, releasing her water-based Eevee evolution. It sat daintily on the stage, staring down Talia.

"Gastly, centre stage," she called, her ghostly Pokemon barely visible in the harsh light.

"Vaporeon, use Aqua Ring!" Rosalie commanded. Immediately, Talia saw what kind of a threat the attack was. If Vaporeon was able to regenerate its health it would become infinitely harder to take out.

"Quick, Gastly, use Hypnosis before Vaporeon has a chance to carry out her attack!" Talia barked. Her quick thinking paid off for the sweet melodic sound of Gastly's haunting Hypnosis attack rang out throughout the building, sending Rosalie's Vaporeon into a deep sleep before it was able to pull off it's attack. This was clearly distressing to Rosalie, who must have built her entire battle strategy around Aqua Ring.

"Great!" Talia chimed. "Now use Night Shade followed up by Lick." With only two offensive attacks, Talia would need to make the most of Vaporeon's vulnerability. There was no telling when it would wake up.

Still, considering that there were still a full four minutes left on the clock and that Talia hadn't lost any points yet, things were looking up. After the two attacks, Rosalie was down to seventy percent of her points.

"Again," Talia commanded. Once again, her Gastly put on the attacks to Rosalie's poor sleeping Pokemon, taking her down another thirty percent. However, it was at that time that her Vaporeon was able to wake up.

"Excellent," the other girl chimed. "Vaporeon, Water Gun followed up by Bite!" The two attacks caught Talia off guard as her points dropped down to seventy. Still, she was able to retaliate.

"Night Shade! Don't let her use Aqua Ring!" The dark aura around Gaslty glowed an ominous purple as it lashed out with the power of pure darkness. With only a couple minutes left on the clock it still looked like it could be anyone's game.

However, after Talia had dropped down to fifty percent with only thirty seconds left, she was able to defeat Rosalie with a well aimed Night Shade that cost her the remainder of her points. With a sigh, Talia returned her Pokemon and met Rosalie at the centre of the stage to shake her hand.

"You were great," the red-head gushed to the skater. "You were just really on top of things."

"You were pretty good yourself," Talia replied with a smile. After a few moments in the spotlight after Rosalie left the stage, Talia also exited, thinking over her plans for the semi-finals.

 

[Silver_Seoul]

Oliver
Pastoria City, Sinnoh
Current Team: Monferno, Luxio, Buizel, Gligar
Badge Count: 3

Oliver took his place onstage and called out Luxio as Angel sent out his Masquerain. He had been less sociable recently, and Oliver wondered why. Maybe he was finally getting his reality check. Chuckling, he ordered the first move. "Luxio, use Thunder Fang!" The move wasn't perfect, but enough static built up on his jaws for him to rush forward and leap into the air, falling towards the floating water-bug.

"Masquerain, keep him back with Ice Beam..." Angel ordered. His voice sounded dead, lifeless. Oliver didn't worry too much about it and watched as his electric lion persevered, pushing through the freezing energy blast and biting onto Masquerain's wing. Luxio's left paw was frozen, but he was taking his opponent down with him. Landing on the ground, both of their points went down. Alex knew the move should have been super-effective, so Masquerain must have been pretty strong. "Silver Wind and then Hydro Pump," Angel yawned.

Fluttering its wings quickly, it released a storm of wind that encircled the water blast that came from Masquerain. Oliver waited until the attack was near for Luxio to jump, launching an Iron Tail. The tip of his tail was coated with a metal engrossment and he brought it down, slamming Masquerain into the ground. When the dust cleared, he was fainted. The judge's panel buzzed, meaning Oliver had won by default. He smirked as Angel left the building, waving at the crowd. Oliver would have that ribbon for Bridget in no time!

 

[Purplepassion]

~Dahlia Appleby
~Great Marsh Contest Hall, Sinnoh
~Team: Turtwig, Magmar, Eevee, Ralts, Horsea
~Ribbon Count: Three (is this right?)

Dahlia looked up at the screen and saw that she was going to battle Elly. By this time she began to think that Elly didn't like her for some reason... Anyways, she grabbed the Pokeball that contained Magmar. This will be easy, she thought to herself with a grin.

When Dahlia arrived, Elly was already there on the opposite side. "Took you long enough," Elly muttered. She took a Pokeball out and threw it, yelling, "Go, Scizor!"

Scizor? Since when did she have a Scizor? Dahlia thought. She threw Magmar's pokeball in the air and yelled, "Go, Magmar!" Both pokemon appeared on their respective sides.

Dahlia was the first to react once the timer and points flashed on the screen. "Use Flamethrower!" she said, and Magmar sent a burst of flames toward Scizor.

Elly smirked. "That's the best you can do?" she scoffed. "Dodge and use Slash!" And Scizor dodged it perfectly, catching Magmar off guard. In another second Scizor was behind it, and it did a very sharp slash. Dahlia's points dropped by half.

Dahlia groaned. "Try it again!" she told Magmar, so it shot another flamethrower towards Scizor. Likewise, it dodged it in a blur again, and it continued to do this till Dahlia's points were down to zero. Dahlia sighed, looking at the screen. Elly's points didn't go down at all...

Elly snickered as Dahlia walked offstage, dejected. When Dahlia got backstage, Anthony was waiting for her.

"So, you lost?" he asked her. Dahlia nodded.

"Yeah, I lost to Elly," she said.

"Well then, this gives us a head start. Let's go to the next city now." Anthony said, adjusting his glasses.

There was a rumble. "But first, can we get something to eat?" Dahlia asked, smiling.