The Pokémon "Turquoise Version" RPG IC Thread

[Mr. Marko]

​

Nicholas stood at the dock of the S.S. Lucinda, his Mareep Static at his side. "Well, buddy, this is it."

Static nodded his head happily.

He looked up to his mother. "This is it, Ma'. My first step on my Pokemon journey."

His mother smiled at him, wrapping her arms tightly around him. "Do our family proud, son. I know you will."

Nicholas chuckled. "You taught me well. Nobody ever outdoes a Lee."

Suddenly, they heard a shuffling behind them. "Wait, boy!"

Nicholas sighed as he turned around to see Old Man Winters, the island's resident Pokemon specialist. "Oh. Hi, Mr. Winters."

Old Man Winters smiled widely, his fake teeth glistening in the sun. "Hi to you, boy. I brought you a parting gift." He rustled through his bag and found a Pokeball and a Pokedex. He handed the Pokedex to him first. "Now that you are an official member of the Riptide Village Pokemon Club, you are entitled to this Pokedex. It will also help you in your journey."

Nicholas smiled. "Wow, thank you."

Old Man Winters suddenly went somber and quiet as he held out the Pokeball. "This Pokemon is also a gift. It is said that when you have found your inner Pokemon, only then will its true power be revealed."

Nicholas took the Pokemon. "Uhh...thanks. What is it?"

Old Man Winters bowed his head. "You will see soon enough. Strive to understand it. Only then will you succeed as a trainer."

Suddenly, the ship's whistle blew. "Well, that's my cue. Come on, Static. Let's go." With that, Nicholas hugged his mother one last time, then boarded the S.S. Lucinda. As they left the port, Nicholas and Static waved to the people below. "Its just you and me now, Static. Let the games begin!"

 

[TrueMastermind]

" Look Chubs, there's Supreme City, just about 10 minutes away! " Aaron pointed towards the looming metropolis, excitement and anxiety building up inside of them. One part of Aaron was excited to face off against Clifford Montaro, Supreme City's Gym Leader. Another part of him was nervous at the possibility of getting absolutely destroyed by the credited Leader.

" Nice Munclax, I want it ! " A raggedy-looking man leaped from the bushes on the side of the road, hurling two Pokeballs in the air. Out came an Umbreon and a Elekid, both looking fairly aggresive and strong, shocking Aaron and the frightened Chub-Chub. " A battle using all of our Pokemon! I win, I get your fat Munchlax, you win, I leave ya! Come on, LETS GO!!! " The man spoke so fast that Ken Griffey Jr. couldn't catch his words, but Aaron eventually caught on, sending out Brett the Boxing Breloom and his powerful Swampert.

" Lets go," Aaron's final words before battle were like an intimadating hiss, capable of spooking anyone within listening range. And with that, it was confirmed...Aaron was ready.

 

[trustyside-kick]

OOC: Previously...

Vincent Rivers - Gym Leader & Pokémon Aide Extraordinaire
------------------------------------------------------------------------​

As they approach the cave entrance of Mt. Pyre, the baby Squirtle hanging onto Vincent's back looks at it with awe and fear. They stand there for a moment, and Vincent turns his head to the tiny turtle Pokemon.

"It's probably best that you go back inside your Pokeball now, Squirt. Mt. Pyre can get pretty nasty. But I promise you that as soon as we're done, I'll let you out. Ok?"

Squirt nods, and Vincent smiles as he takes his Pokeball off of his belt, and presses the button. After the tiny turtle Pokemon is returned to his Pokeball, the Gym Leader holsters it, and grabs two more Pokeballs as he looks over at Seth.

"Ready?"

"Lead the way, little bro. Mamoswine and I will guard your rear in case any wild Pokemon pop out."

Pressing the Pokeball, Seth's gargantuan Mamoswine emerges; his longest Pokemon companion. While they are in Mt. Pyre, and Ice-type Pokemon have a weakness to Fire-type attacks, Mamoswine is also a Ground-type and can more than fend for himself and the back of the group. As Vincent nods, he presses the buttons on his two Pokeballs and out comes his Torkoal and Blastoise.

"Alright Torkoal, do your thing."

As the coal Pokemon starts to seek out coal, like that of a cannine, Blastoise & Vincent follow steadily behind it while Seth & Mamoswine remain a short distance behind the group. Mt. Pyre can be a dangerous place for a trainer and their Pokemon if they are not cautious; a true test of their skill & devotion to battling. Such a reason is precisely why Gym Leader Castor Blaise chose such a spot. Like Drew, Cael, & Clifford, the Gym Leader of Firepit Gym likes for their challengers to have to prove themselves rather than the old fashion method that Vincent and the others use for their gyms. Donovan is a whole other story though, since his Gym is more like a big entertainment event.

"Uh oh."
"Oh YES!"

As the group was traveling, a pair of Slugmas and a Magcargo block their front & a Slugma and another Magcargo also block their rear exit. These lava Pokemon are all over Mt. Pyre, so there's a lot more where these came from. Before they can initial the inevitable strike, Vincent is already commanding his Blastoise as does Seth with his Mamoswine.

"Blastoise, use Rain Dance to keep yourself hydrated! Then proceed with a Water Pulse attack!"
"Mamoswine, how about we shove a little mud in their eyes with Mud-slap!"

Blastoise's Rain Dance does the trick, but the time used on the boost to keep the large turtle Pokemon gave the Slugmas and the Magcargo time to evade its Water Pulse attack. Whereas with Mamoswine its Mud-slap attack got the Magcargo and the Slugma with extreme efficiency. Overconfident, one of the Slugmas come up to Blastoise and start up a Body Slam attack and Pokemon Aide Vincent Rivers smirks.

"Give that Slugma a whoopin' with Aqua Tail, Blastoise!"

Just as the Slugma's Body Slam was about to connect and strike the large turtle Pokemon at its chest, Blastoise turns, dodging the attack, and as it completes his circular motion its tail lights up a brilliant blue glow and strikes the Slugma in the back of its head and the lava Pokemon faints.

"Good job Blastoise, one down and two to go!"

As the Magcargo & the Slugma still remain dazed from the Mud-slap attack, Seth's Mamoswine speeds over to them awaiting for Seth's next strategic command.

"Ice Fang that Magcargo, Mamoswine! We don't want to give it time to raise its defenses and use Harden!"

While the attack is not terribly effective on the foe for Ice-type attacks are incredibly weak against Fire-type Pokemon, Seth merely used it for the physical effect that causes the Magcargo to flinch and go further off balance.

"Now send a furry of Mud Bombs and put that Pokemon's fire OUT!"

With much pleasure, the twin tusk Pokemon obeys and unleashes a barrage of Mud Bomb attacks onto the lava Pokemon. As the Magcargo faints before Mamoswine even stops laying on one after the other of Mud Bomb attacks, the wild Slugma starts to run away. When the other Slugma and Magcargo battling Blastoise sees this, they too flee the scene.

"Yea, that's right! We're the Rivers brothers baby! MAN that felt good. I haven't battled in weeks."

"Haha, glad to see you're feeling like yourself again Seth. Now let's go find where Torkoal ran off too. He couldn't have gotten too far when those Pokemon ambushed us."

 

[trustyside-kick]

OOC: Previously...

As Owen is about to head towards the larger house which rests on the eastern area of Town, he turns to his Tropius with a bit of compassion in his words.

"Eh, sorry, Tropius but I think it's best you go back into your Pokeball. I mean, you won't exactly be able to fit in the doorway and I don't want you to have to wait outside. Who knows how long this can go for. But I promise you that when I let you out I'm gonna tell you everything the good Professor has told me."

Grunting a bit, Tropius of course in the end agrees as sits as Owen grabs its Pokeball. Reluctantly Owen presses the button and the fruit Pokemon returns to the Pokeball. Placing his Tropius' Pokeball gently into his satchel, Owen proceeds to head towards Professor Pine's home & research lab.

Huh, looks like a couple of kids battling.

"So, Jon. You ready to lose? I could always use the prize money..."

"In your dreams, Ryan. I choose you, Cyndaquil!"

Pulling the Pokeball from his belt and activating it's release mechanism, there was a bright flash of light as the small fire Pokemon landed before them, making a small growling noise as it prepared to battle.

Stopping, Owen crosses his arms and plays spectator. While Owen may be an herbalist and brewer at heart, that doesn't mean that he is entirely oblivious to battle. His Tropius, Meganium, and even his Dunsparce can be quite the challenge to face. Naturally the Cyndaquil is at a disadvantage, but one can never base the outcome of a battle simply on that.

"Somehow, I knew you'd pick that puny little thing. Go, Piplup. Give that rodent a whooping he won't forget."

In a second flash, a chirping blue penguin pokemon also prepared to fight. Jon grew nervous at the obvious type disadvantage, but he was confident he'd win.

"Cyndaquil, use Tackle attack now!"

The battle was on now...

"This should be good."

Owen chuckles under his breath. These young trainers must've just have gotten their first Pokemon. Which means good news for Owen because that would mean that this Professor Pine really knows his Pokemon if he was able to catch such uncommon Pokemon as a Cyndaquil and a Piplup.

 

[Rain Dog]

LT.SURGE​

“Now who does that remind me of?”

“…probably three kilometers south of Blue Base…”

“…flank them from the West…Sergeant?”

“I can fend ‘em off, Matis, just go!”

“Charlie!”

“Go!”

“For ****’s sake, Charlie!”

“G--!!”

“CHARLIE!!!”

I jump up from my bed, drenched with sweat. My heart is racing. Panting heavily. I try to collect myself. Take a deep breath and slowly lean back against the wall. Good God.

My cabin is dark, but I’m able to make out something sitting at the foot of my bed. It’s rocking from side to side, buzzing angrily, about the size (and shape) of a beach ball.

“Twitch,” I mutter. Must have released him in my sleep. Sure as hell wouldn’t be the first time.

“In you go,” I say as I return the Voltorb to his pokeball. I always got nervous when he got out. Twitch was as strong and disciplined as the rest. But he was a Voltorb. A living bomb. The slightest irritation could make him go boom. And being awakened in the middle of the night, on a dark, unfamiliar, rocking ship was probably an irritation.

After that, I just sat there. Staring into the darkness. I’m tired as hell. I want to sleep. But I can’t. I can’t knowing I’ll just wake up the same way in a few hours. Maybe minutes. I tried to keep my mind off it. Focused on other things—like Toruko. I’ve been on this fruity liner for two days. We should be arriving at Toruko tomorrow morning. A whole new frontier. A new land to conquer.

I want to see what Toruko trainers are made of. I want to know what challenges I can find there that I can’t find in Kanto. Maybe even take on some Gym Leaders. See if they deserve their titles. This trip is just what I need. I’m sure of it.

 

[trustyside-kick]

Vincent Rivers - Gym Leader & Pokémon Aide Extraordinaire
------------------------------------------------------------------------​

"Corsola, use Rock Blast!"

The Coral Pokemon unleashes its attack as it smashes down at the volcanic rock, and then striking at the risen pieces at Castor's Arcanine. Naturally the Gym Leader's Pokemon tries to dodge the attack, but manages to get hit with three of the five chunks of rock. The Fire-type Pokemon wimpers, but doesn't give up as it growls back at the Corsola.

"Good job Corsola! We're just seconds away from getting that Inferno Badge?"

"Hah! Did I just hear that right, boy? You think that your puny Corsola is going to take down my goliath of an Arcanine? Time to snuff this little pup out, Arcanine! Use Hidden Power Grass!"

"...What?!"

Arcanine starts to suddenly glow a green glow, as energy seems to gather around him. Little orb like particles are drawn, and then unleashed in a wave of green energy. The trainer's Corsola never stood a chance as it could not possible dodge such an attack unless it dove into one of the firepits. The Water/Rock-type Pokemon faints, as Arcanine's Hidden Power Grass move was super-effective. The defeated female trainer stands frozen still and in shock.

"But but...I had this thing in the bag, I--"

"Two words for ya, kid: Technical Moves. Learn to get your hands on some. You came to my gym, knowing me to be a Fire-type Gym Leader, and assumed that your Pokemon's natural great advantage would win it all for you. You chose a mighty fine Pokemon, but you never for once assumed that I'd have defenses for my Pokemon and their weaknesses when they are all of the same basic type."

Pressing the button on the Pokeball, Castor Blaise's Arcanine returns, and the defeated trainer leaves the doors of Firepit Gym in defeat and shame. As the young girl passes Vincent & Seth, she stops for a moment, shocked at the sight before her.

"Woah...Seth & Vincent Rivers! I cannot believe it! You guys are TOTALLY awesome! Were you...oh my god you were...you were watching me fight!"

Rubbing the back of his head, as Vincent isn't too use to such fame as Seth is, the Gym Leader of Offshore Gym replies politely.

"Heh, yea. And Castor was right, was wise of you to pick a Corsola against him. I can easily tell you know your Water-type Pokemon. Keep at it, and I'm sure you'll win the Inferno Badge some day."

Nodding with glee and excitement, the trainer suddenly has confidence once again and leaves the presence of the two Rivers brothers. Seth & Vincent walk into the doors of Firepit Gym, and Castor immediately notices.

"Seth! Vincent! Heh, you catch that trainer? She had some spunk, she did. What a thrill the end of that battle was! What brings you guys here?"

"Vinny's Torkoal isn't doing so hot."

"I haven't been able to figure out what's wrong with it, Castor. Frankly I'm just glad we caught you at a time when you were at the Gym. Tried to call but didn't get an answer."

"Ah, I left my phone at the office. You know me. The second I can get out of that place I race up this good 'ol mountain of fire. Well, go on. Let Torkoal out of it's ball and I'll take a look."

Letting the coal Pokemon out of its Pokeball, Vincent sighs as it seems to be suffering from fatigue again as though it is already out of coal to burn in its shell. Castor's famous smile fades as he sees the seriousness of it all, and kneels down at the turtle Pokemon.

"So what exactly have you noticed aside from its general appearance?"

"Well, it seems like for some reason Torkoal is burning the coal it keeps in its shell for combustion a lot faster than usual; more than it should have to. It's almost like its ability to make fire is...well, burning out."

As Castor leans closer to the Pokemon's shell, he immediately grabs hold of his nose and jerks back.

"Woah, that's a funky smell."

"What do you mean?"

"Yea, we never smelt a thing other than the coal burning."

"Well, you probably cannot tell the difference as much cause unlike me you boys aren't always surrounded by Fire-type Pokemon. I've smelt anything you can imagined being burned, and all kinds of unusual volcanic smells here at Mt. Pyre to practically null out that burning smell. But I'm telling you, when I took a whiff of your Torkoal's shell something wasn't right. Smelled like something my own Torkoal once had a few years back."

"Cloacitis."

"Bingo."

Seth, among the group, is not much of a specialist in regards to Torkoal or Turtle Pokemon. And while Vincent suddenly has a smile upon his face for he knows what is wrong with his Torkoal, Seth has a hint of anger in his face since he remains confused.

"...'the heck is Cloacitis."

"Cloacitis is a bacterial infection of the cloaca. The cloaca is a tube-like structure through which...well a turtle's feces & urine passes through. These infections are often associated with paraistic infections: stone-like cloacal calculus."

"...why couldn't you just say that your Torkoal has some sort of a kidney stone and spare me the disgusting and utterly wordy details?"

Vincent smirks as he knees down, petting his Torkoal on its head.

"I like messing with your head. Now, the reason my Torkoal has been burning its coal so much must be that its trying to get rid of the infection, hoping it will burn and escape through the holes on its back; but it hasn't. Castor, I know that for regular turtles you'd use a diluted betadine or chlorhexidine solution, but wouldn't its body naturally destroy the solution with its hot body temperatures?"

"Yup. No need to worry. I've still got some of the compound I used when my Torkoal got Cloacitis a few years back. I've also got the ointment still so we can use it to fill the cloacal opening when we're done. Your Torkoal is going to be just fine. Follow me."

As the Rivers brothers and Vincent's Torkoal follow Castor, Seth lightly coughs to get Vincent's attention and lightly whispers to his little brother.

"So how do you plan on avoiding this from happening in the future, lil bro?"

"Unfortunately you cannot really avoid it. Well kept or not, clean environment or not, it just happens. At least now I know what to do."

Entering Castor's office, which serves as a workspace in case he ever wants to leave the office without actually finish a day's work, Seth and Vincent wait patiently as the Gym Leader looks through his wall cabinets. Going through a medicine cabinet, it doesn't take Castor long for him to find the proper compound for Vincent's Torkoal.

"Here ya go. Just apply this every 12 hrs, and eventually Torkoal should naturally be able to...release what's clogging it. Then, it'll be good as new."

"Thanks, Castor. And you might wanna expect me making more frequent visits in the near future. This experience got me thinking. Maybe I'll expand my expertise and knowledge from being mainly Water-type Pokemon. Torkoal is a turtle after all, and it wasn't necessarily solely a Fire-type Pokemon situation, but a mix of the two."

"Awesome, man. And hey, maybe in those frequent visits we can enjoy a good old fashion battle."

That's Castor Blaise for you. The business man who cannot get enough satisfaction from anything other than a good business deal or a Pokemon battle.

 

[SuperFerret]

Alabaster White's privately owned Pokémon Stadium was ablaze with excitement. The Psychic Pokémon Tournament has begun!

Violet stood at the edge of the battlefield, her Gardevoir, Empathy, standing ready for the first battle of the day. On the other side of the field, a youngster stood, his Natu similarly ready. Each awaited the announcers call to start the match.

"ANNNNNNNNNDDDDDDD......... GO!"

The fight was on.

Natu opened up by fluttering up into the air, flapping it's wings furiously to send an Ominous Wind Empathy's way. She clenched her eyes closed and held her ground as the Ghost-type attack stung her skin and felt like dozens of tiny claws raking across her nerves. It hurt, it damaged her, but Empathy endured it.

The little psychic bird flew closer, hoping to press the attack when the worst happened. Empathy retaliated, sending a well-aimed Thunderbolt straight into Natu's tiny body. Like the bird's Ghost-type attack, the Electric move exploited its target's weakness. Unlike Natu's attack, however, Empathy's Thunderbolt was backed by a far superior Special Attack stat, and struck at a very lacking Special Defense stat.

"NO!" cried the youngster as his Natu was KO'd in one lightning fast moment.

In his private viewing box, accompanied by his new Lucario, Alabaster White watched in silence as the Pokémon Ranger Violet was announced the winner of the first match-up in the Tournament.

 

[Rain Dog]

LT. SURGE​

“Thank you for choosing the S.S. Anne, Kanto’s premier luxury liner!"

The sexy female intercom voices prattle on about what a pleasure it was to serve us as a mob of tourists shove their way out of the ship. It was a sunny day, unfortunately. I slip on a pair of sunglasses to try and shield my already sore eyes. I’m exhausted. Didn’t get a lot of sleep. Kept waking up to the sound of machine gun fire and the sight of Twitch rolling back and forth at the foot of my bed.

After putting up with the pain-in-the ass security and customs procedures in the port, I decided to grab some coffee at a nearby cafe. Needed a cup or four to keep me awake. I planned on doing a lot of training today. Teach Sarge a TM I had been keeping. There’s a big battle on the way.

The Anne docked in a port in the northern region of Toruko. I intend on traveling south and take a balloon to Willow Town. Think it’s time to pay their gym leader a visit. But first, coffee.

I sat down at the small table with a piping hot cup in my hand and Raichu clinging to my shoulders. As I set the cup down, he hopped onto the table and took a few sips. Poor rat was tired. I scratched his ears and sat back in my chair, looking up at the flat screen t.v.’s the shop had hung on the wall. It was the news channel. Showing, of course, nothing but bad news. That’s all there ever is. Bad news.

I take a sip of coffee and watch.

“…police officer killed by a Scyther earlier this…”

My heart begins to pick up its pace. My breathing quickens. Must be some strong coffee.

“…slashed throat…”

I take another sip. My hands are shaking. Droplets of hot coffee splatter all over my lap and arms. I don’t feel it. Must be some strong coffee.

“…other officer seriously injured…”

My hands are shaking. I take another sip. I drop the cup. All of me is shaking. **** this coffee. Raichu is growling. At what, I don’t know. Sparks spout from his cheeks. I don’t know why. He lowers his ears and bares his teeth. He growls some more. He’s shaking. All of him his shaking.

* * *​

I see a big purple blob float around—one of the Weezing twins. It suddenly stopped…and began expanding. Glowing. My eyes widened with horror as I realized what was happening.

“Take it out! Take it out now!” I screamed at the top of my lungs, hoping someone would hear me. I could hardly hear me.

“O’Malley, take it out!”

The Weezing continued to expand—in a few seconds everything in atwenty yard radius would be reduced to a smoldering crater. Then, as if it suddenly spiked by an invisible volley-ball player, it hit the ground. Hard. Its body began to deflate as it became enshrouded in a blue aura. It shrunk back to its original size and then continued to shrink, which caused it great pain. After belching out a final burp of smog, the hideous lumpy bastard croaked.

O’Malley came running out of the brush with his Mr. Mime. Both of them were roughed up pretty bad—burnt hair and clothes, charred skin, blood and bruises everywhere. But they kept going. They ran up beside me. He began shouting at me. I slowly began to regain my hearing.

“Sir! Sir! Lieutenant?! Are you alright sir?! SIR!”

“I’m fine, private! They’re still out there! We need to hurry and regroup before they open fire!”

The burnt trees and bushes several yard ahead of me began to rustle. Where the enemy retreated into. Their Weezing-bombs failed so now they’re preparing to spring out and blast us to bits. Or so I thought.

“****! Over there! Open fire! Open fire!”

O’Malley quickly spun around and fired his rifle into the brush while his Mr. Mime backed him up with a barrage of Psybeams. I heard a few more machine guns rattle but it wasn’t the enemy returning fire. Jackson, Rodriguez, Madden, and Verne came out of hiding and followed O’Malley’s lead. Madden’s Charmeleon spat fireballs while Verne’s Ivysaur fired off razor-sharp leaves. Rodriguez and Jackson’s Sandslash and Golbat stood back, ready to take out anything that jumped out.

“Cease fire!”

My men lowered their rifles and their pokemon halted their attacks. There was no more rustling. Just dead silence. Nothing I hate more than that.


BZZZZZZZZZZZZ

“What’s that?”

“****. Fire!”

They unleashed another burst of hot lead into the brush. The buzzing only grew louder.

Then suddenly, six figures launched out of the brush, flying high above our heads. We all immediately looked up and aimed our rifles. Scythers. Half a dozen Scythers with wings rapidly fluttering hovered above us, cawing wildly and clinging their blade-like arms together.

The swooped down towards us, blades out, screeching like banshees. Jackson’s Golbat flew towards one and tried to engage it. It went for a posion sting but the giant bug sliced its wings clean off. The bat fell to the ground, flailing. Bleeding.

“Drac!” Jackson screamed as he ran to his fallen friend.

“Jackson!” I yelled. Damned boy wasn’t paying attention. The bug was headed right for him.

The Scyther came closer to ground level and swung its arm, hitting Jackons in the throat, slicing it wide open. Blood sprayed from his jugular as the young solider collapsed on top of his precious pokemon. Four bursts from my rifle brought the bug down. It should have taken one. These things were trained. Well.

We all scrambled about the area, trying to land some shots on the bugs. They were too damn fast. Verne’s Ivysaur extended a pair of vines and lashed at the bugs. With amazing speed, they nimbly dodged each lashing. One of them rushed passed the pokemon and sliced its vines off. Then another rushed towards it and with one swift move, severed the poor thing’s head.

Verne was pissed. He held down the trigger of his rifle and went ape **** on the bugs. We had to hit the ground to avoid being blasted by the crazy ****er.

“Watch your fire, corporal!!!”

His bullets tore up the wings of one of the Scythers. It fell to the ground and began to rush towards him. Holding the rifle in one arm, Verne fired while he reached for his belt with the other arm. His one arm wasn't strong enough to keep the gun steady. Bullets went everywhere, only a few tagged the giant mantis. With one swing of its blades, the Scyther sliced Verne’s rifle in half. With a swing of its second arm, it slashed open Verne’s chest. But Verne wasn’t done yet. The hand that was at his belt grabbed hold of a combat knife. He leapt onto the wounded bug and began viciously stabbing at it. The Scyther screeched and when down. The other four swarmed around Verne and hacked him to bits.

They were grouped together now—easier targets. I quickly sprang up to my feet and grabbed a pokeball on my belt. I hurled it to the ground and then raised my rifle.

“Thunderbolt!”

Raichu fired a mighty bolt of electricity that fried the bugs. But that just seemed to piss them off. They immediately turned towards me and raised their blades.

“Barrier!” O’Malley shouted.

His Mr. Mime quickly put its hands up and created an invisible wall to surround us. The Scythers rushed towards me and hit the wall, stopping them dead in their tracks. They continued pressing forward, smacking the force field with their blades over and over again. O’Malley’s clown could only hold it up for so long…

“Nice work, private! Madden!”

“Sir?!”

“This wall won’t hold long. Get you Char ready to torch the ****ers.”

“Yes, sir!”

“Rodriguez, after the flamethrower, send Ol’ Scratch in there to pick off the survivors!”

“Yes, sir!”

The Scyther’s blades clanged against the invisible wall. After one more fury cutter, the wall finally fell. The Mime collapsed, exhausted and wounded. O'Malley quickly knelt beside it and tended to the clown.

“NOW!!!”

The Charmeleon opened its mouth and spat out a bright stream of flames. The Scythers screeched and attempted to shield themselves with their blades. After the flames vanished, we saw that three were still standing. They were badly burnt and in great pain but still standing. They clanged their blades together as they prepared to rush towards us once more.

“Scracth, Roll out!”

Rodriguez’s Sandslash curled into a ball and rolled towards the bugs. The Scythers tried to slash at it but its spiky armor kept it safe. It rapidly rolled circles around the bugs, gaining speed. It then launched itself at one of the bugs, knocking it over. Scratch uncurled himself and went to town on the bug’s face with its claws. The Scyther countered with some its own slashes but it quickly went limp. Two left. One rushed us, the other, Scratch. Rodriguez fired at the bug headed towards us and tagged its torso. Not enough.

The Scyther got close. Too close. With a twirl of its arms, Rodriguez’s arm, still clutching the rifle fell to the ground.

“AAAAAAAAAAH!!!!!!”

Madden hit the bug with the butt of his gun to stun it and then finished off with a shot to the back of the head. Scratch tried to help his wounded trainer but was stopped by the final Scyther.

“Madden, take care of Rodriguez!” I shouted as I fired at the last bug. It charged me, screeching angrily. I fired burst after burst, each on making contact, but it did not slow down. It was determined to go out with a bang. I jumped back as it swung its arm and fired again. Missed. It swung its other arm, knocking the gun out of my hands. It swung again, slashing my chest and stomach. I fell on my ass, clutching my wounds. Warm blood was soaking my shirt and hands. I felt cold. My heart begins to pick up its pace. My breathing quickens. I’m shaking. All of me is shaking. It stood over me and raised a blade.

“Christ, no! NO! HELP! DAMN IT!! HELP!!!”

* * *​

“HELP!!!! CHRIST, NO!!!” I screamed, clutching my chest. Raichu was firing off a thunderbolt, at what, I’m not sure. Twitch was out as well. How he got out, I'm not sure. He stared at me, rocking back and forth. The patrons of the coffee shop screamed and stormed out. The manager slowly approached me.

“Sir? Sir?! Are you ok?!”

“HEEEL—I…I…”

I looked around. The trees were gone. The bugs were gone. The blood was gone. I let out a deep sigh.

“…I’m going to leave now.”

I called Twitch back into his ball. Raichu sighed and hopped onto my shoulders. He was panting. I quickly ran out the door, wiping the sweat from my brow.

 

[Blacklight]

VS.

​

(OOC: I changed the rival's name to 'Jake')

Moments later; Outside Pine's Lab...
"So, Jon. You ready to lose? I could always use the prize money..."

"In your dreams, Jake. I choose you, Cyndaquil!"

Pulling the Pokeball from his belt and activating it's release mechanism, there was a bright flash of light as the small fire Pokemon landed before them, making a small growling noise as it prepared to battle.

"Somehow, I knew you'd pick that puny little thing. Go, Piplup. Give that rodent a whooping he won't forget."

In a second flash, a chirping blue penguin pokemon also prepared to fight. Jon grew nervous at the obvious type disadvantage, but he was confident he'd win.

"Cyndaquil, use Tackle attack!"

The battle was on now...

Jon's Cyndaquil quickly obeyed it's new owner and ran at the tiny penguin Pokemon, the Piplup taking damage right off the bat.

"Piplup. Pound that thing off you."

With one punch, Cyndaquil was knocked off it's opponent, causing Jon to gasp, but Cyndaquil quickly recovered, shaking off the assault.

"Cyndaquil, use Leer."

The Cyndaquil then continued by staring into it's opponent's eyes, his own glowing an eerie yellow, lowering the bird Pokemon's defenses.

"Piplup snap out of it. Growl."

The Piplup then angrily snarled at Jon's Cyndaquil, his power draining from the noise.

"Cyndaquil, finish it off with another tackle!"

"Pound it, Piplup!"

Both Pokemon charged at each other, Cyndaquil's attack hitting first. Piplup was tackled to the ground, the impact much harder, much more critical than the first time.

Cyndaquil was still standing, while Jake's Piplup fainted. The rival was defeated, and Jon cheered for his new Pokemon.

"Great job, Cyndaquil." Jon said as he hugged his new friend before summoning him back into his Pokeball, placing it on his belt next to Larvitar's ball.

"What a piece of crap Pokemon. It didn't even know any Water moves... You got lucker, loser." Jake belittled Jon as well as his own Piplup as he returned it and stuffed it in his pocket.

"See ya around, Jonboy." Jake said as he walked past Jon, pushing him down to the ground on his a** as he did so.

"What the hell! Jerk..." Jon said as he rubbed his buttocks in pain as he stood back up.

As he got back up to his feet, Jon noticed a boy in green and orange garb nearby, making him wonder how long he was standing there. Walking up to him, Jon grinned and held out his hand.

"Hi. I'm Jon. How long have you been standing here?"

 

[Carnage27]

I sit back in the Poke Stadium, barely noticing the battle going on beneath me. My eyes are drawn to the huge, private box of Alabaster White, owner of the Premier Pokeball company.

He sits in the box, almost like Caesar over seeing the battles in the Colosseum. At his sides are countless assistants and aids.

I look over to Neptune, "Tell me that isn't ridiculous."

Neptune let's out a little chuckle and a hoot. I lean back in my seat and study the man closely. Well as closely as I can from my cheap seats in the stadium, "There's something about him. Suspicious."

Neptune gives me a look that says "Give me a break", and I smile and continue to watch the competition.

 

[trustyside-kick]

As he got back up to his feet, Jon noticed a boy in green and orange garb nearby, making him wonder how long he was standing there. Walking up to him, Jon grinned and held out his hand.

"Hi. I'm Jon. How long have you been standing here?"

Accept the boys hand shake, Owen grins happily and places his hands upon his hips.

"Well, from the looks of it a bit after your battle started. Nice job by the way. You had the type disadvantage and pulled through nicely. Though your friend didn't exactly have the best sportmanship...and is a real sore loser. Oh, yea. And my name is Owen. Owen Bruer: Pokemon Herbalist and Brewer. "

Looking at the large house that was also in fact a Pokemon Research lab, Owen asks Jon a simple question.

"So, this is Professor Pine's place, right? I was hoping to talk to him to ask him about the Legendary Pokemon Tereant. The locals told me if there was anyone in town I should talk to, Professor Pine is the one."

 

[Blacklight]

Accept the boys hand shake, Owen grins happily and places his hands upon his hips.

"Well, from the looks of it a bit after your battle started. Nice job by the way. You had the type disadvantage and pulled through nicely. Though your friend didn't exactly have the best sportmanship...and is a real sore loser. Oh, yea. And my name is Owen. Owen Bruer: Pokemon Herbalist and Brewer. "

Looking at the large house that was also in fact a Pokemon Research lab, Owen asks Jon a simple question.

"So, this is Professor Pine's place, right? I was hoping to talk to him to ask him about the Legendary Pokemon Tereant. The locals told me if there was anyone in town I should talk to, Professor Pine is the one."

"Thanks. I'm Jon, and that unfortunately was Jake. We're not friends... At all. And happily never will be." Jon said with a grin.

"And you heard right. This is his house/Pokemon Lab. And if anyone can give you the downlow on Tereant, it's good ol' Professor P."

 

[trustyside-kick]

"Ah great. I got the advice from an old woman and...well I do not mean to be rude or mean but you never know, heh. Just wanted to ask the Prof a few things about. I read the plaque at the statue but it only tells so much. Afterwards I was going to head to Willow Town and try to join The Greene Effort."

An idea comes to Owen's mind, that could turn out to be interesting.

"Hey, so from the looks of it...I dunno tell me if I'm wrong but looks like you're a new trainer. Guessing you're going to go travel the world and train your Pokemon? If you're headed to Willow Town, maybe we can travel together. Wild Pokemon on the way there could be quite dangerous."

 

[Blacklight]

​

"Ah great. I got the advice from an old woman and...well I do not mean to be rude or mean but you never know, heh. Just wanted to ask the Prof a few things about. I read the plaque at the statue but it only tells so much. Afterwards I was going to head to Willow Town and try to join The Greene Effort."

An idea comes to Owen's mind, that could turn out to be interesting.

"Hey, so from the looks of it...I dunno tell me if I'm wrong but looks like you're a new trainer. Guessing you're going to go travel the world and train your Pokemon? If you're headed to Willow Town, maybe we can travel together. Wild Pokemon on the way there could be quite dangerous."

"Sure. Why not?" Jon accepted.

"Tell you what though. While you have your chat with the Prof, I have to stop by my house before I head for Willow Town. Meet back here in about an hour?"

 

[trustyside-kick]

"Yea, sure. When I'm done talking to the Professor I will just wander about the nearby Routes. One of the big reasons I've come to the Toruko Region is to take a look at any possible indigenous herbs, berries, and plants."

Taking a deep breath, as he is about to be in the presence of one of the primary and well respected Pokemon Researchers in the entire Toruko Region, Owen prepares himself. Smiling lightly as he is about to part ways briefly from Jon, he digs through his satchel real quick.

"Place out your hand real quick."

As the young trainer listens, from his satchel after he finds them, he pulls out three Green Pokeblocks. He places them on top of Jon's palm and pats him on the shoulder.

"Give your Cyndaquil those to munch on while you're prepping for your journey. He should be able to probably consume them all within an hours time. That type of Pokeblock raises a Pokemon's Smartness. Had a few of them still in my bag from the trip. Made them myself so I can assure you they are super effective. Why, he'll probably be smarter than most Cyndaquil as young as he is. Probably be able to learn certain moves quicker too."

Zipping his satchel back up, and walks around the corner of the building, heading into the door of Professor Pine's Research Building.

 

[Blacklight]

"Yea, sure. When I'm done talking to the Professor I will just wander about the nearby Routes. One of the big reasons I've come to the Toruko Region is to take a look at any possible indigenous herbs, berries, and plants."

Taking a deep breath, as he is about to be in the presence of one of the primary and well respected Pokemon Researchers in the entire Toruko Region, Owen prepares himself. Smiling lightly as he is about to part ways briefly from Jon, he digs through his satchel real quick.

"Place out your hand real quick."

As the young trainer listens, from his satchel after he finds them, he pulls out three Green Pokeblocks. He places them on top of Jon's palm and pats him on the shoulder.

"Give your Cyndaquil those to munch on while you're prepping for your journey. He should be able to probably consume them all within an hours time. That type of Pokeblock raises a Pokemon's Smartness. Had a few of them still in my bag from the trip. Made them myself so I can assure you they are super effective. Why, he'll probably be smarter than most Cyndaquil as young as he is. Probably be able to learn certain moves quicker too."

Zipping his satchel back up, and walks around the corner of the building, heading into the door of Professor Pine's Research Building.

Taking the Pokeblocks, Jon nodded as his new friend in Owen walked inside the Professor's Lab. Then, he proceeded to rush back to his house to grab a few things for his venture out into the world of Pokemon.



Jon's House...


"Ma, I'm back!" Jon yelled as his mother walked to front door from the kitchen to see him.

"Wow. Back already? That's got to be a record..."

"You wish. I'm just here to pack my stuff before I go."

"Well... Let me see 'em."

"See what?"

"Your starter. Let me see!"

"Alright..." he said as Jon reluctantly pulled his new Pokemon's ball from his clip, releasing it in a flash of white.

"I always knew you'd pick a fire type. Hmm... They didn't have a Charmander though? I always pictured you with a Charmander. But I guess a Cyndaquil will do."

Suddenly the Cyndaquil started to whimper and a tear shed down from it's eye-slit.

"Jeez, Ma! You hurt his feelings!"

"What did I say?"

"Here, Cyndaquil. Eat these. They'll make you feel better." Jon said as he handed Cyndaquil the Pokeblocks Owen gave him.

"Oh... I almost forgot. You have a visitor!"

"Really? Who?"

"Who was at the door, Ms.-- Oh. Hey, Jon." the beautiful girl said as she entered the living room from the kitchen.

"Lindsey? What are you doing here?"

"Oh cool Cyndaquil! It's so cute!" Lindsey squealed as she went to pet the Pokemon.

"I'm was hoping to hang out one last time before you go off on your journey."

"Oh. Okay... Just let me get my stuff before we go. Sound good?"

"Yeah."

Jon then rushed upstairs to his room to pack quickly, so that he could spend as much time as he could with the girl next door.

 

[Rain Dog]

LT. SURGE​

I stood out in a grassy fieldsof Turko’s Route 114 with the team out of their balls. It was training time. For Sarge, especially. I’ve been holding on to a TM that I’ve been meaning to teach him for a while and since our next destination is Willow Town’s Gym, now seems like the time to give it to him. The Teachy T.V. played a clip of the move again and again. It displayed a Jynx in an arctic landscape, standing beside a trainer huddled up in a furry parka. The Jynx’s right hand balled up into a fist, cocked back, began to glow an icy white, and then was thrust forward into the gut of an Ursaring, creating a burst of frost and icy shards that sent the ursine beast to his knees.

The Electabuzz observed the video closely. He clenched his hand into a fist, cocked it back as it began to glow a bright white, and thrust it forward—creating a burst of sparks and electricity. Thunder Punch.

“No, no Sarge. Let’s try that again.”

Sarge nodded quickly and watched the video some more. He tried again—another Thunder Punch. He howled in frustration and stomped on the ground, flailing his long arms about. Sarge hated to fail. He especially hated to fail in front of me.

“S’alright, buddy. We’ll keep this up all day and night if we have to.”

Meanwhile, a couple’a yards away, Twitch rolled back and forth as Mac hovered around him in circles. The two were communicating to each other in their strange way—mostly electrical signals. Just beside them were Volty and Rai. Rai was sitting down, watching Sarge attempt another Ice Punch. Volty was scampering about the area, jumping into the thick, tall grass and then jumping back out.

Volty scurried over to Raichu and tugged on his tail. Startled, Raichu let loose a small spark and quickly turned around, growling. He saw nothing. Volty had already run off. Raichu turned back around to watch Sarge. Volty quickly ran back up to him, tugged on his tail, and scampered off. Once again, Rai spins around, growling at nothing. Mischievous little bastard. As I switch between watching Sarge deliver punch after punch and Volty **** with Rai, a loud screech pierces through the air. We all look up and see its source—a large bird circling us overhead.

I try to make out what type of bird it is—the sun’s glare makes it difficult. It screeches again, and then I know. The large bird swoops down, its talons pointed outwards, and tries to snatch Volty up. Volty quickly jumps out of its way. My other pokemon quickly turn towards the bird, ready to defend their team mate.

“Back to your business, boys. This one’s Volty’s.”

* * *​

Charlie tightened his grip on Dad’s hand as we approached the tall grass.

“Daddy, I’m scared!”

“Don’t worry, it’s going to be lots of fun, I promise.”

“They’re probably gonna eat you up, Charile.”

“What?!”

“No, Charlie, they won’t eat you. The ones around here are too small to do that.”

“In one bite! CHOMP!”

“No!”

“Don’t listen to Matis, he’s just trying to scare you.”

We were now marching through the grass—it went up to Dad’s knees and right over little Charlie’s head. My eyes just barely peeked up above the tallest blades. Dad lifted Charlie up and placed him on his shoulders. I was excited—more excited than I’d ever been. I ran circles around my dad, jumping up and down, screaming with delight.

“Quiet down, Matis! You’ll scare ‘em off!”

We came to an opening in the grassy field. We decided to take a break—the walk here was about an hour and a half. Charile and Dad were tired but I was just as pumped as ever. We sat down and Dad unpacked some bologna sandwiches. I quickly wolfed mine down while Dad and Charlie took their time. I couldn’t just sit there waiting for them. Too boring. I got up and begun to walk around.

“Don’t wander too far now, Matis.”

I jumped into the tall grass. I crouched down and then got on all fours like a tiger, prowling through the grass. Between several criss-crossing blades of grass, I could see Charlie eating his sandwich. I quickly jumped out of my cover, flicked him in the ear, and jumped right back into the grass.

“Ow!” Charlie hollered. He quickly spun around to see nothing but rustling grass. He scowled for a moment then returned to his lunch. I leapt out again and gave the kid another flick and ran back into hiding. Charlie looked back and scowled again.

“Dad! Matis is bothering me!”

“Cut it out now, Matis.”

I did it again. What can I say? I’m a kid. Kid’s don’t know what ‘cut it out’ or ‘stop that’ really mean.

“Matis!”

“Matis!”

I jumped back into the grass, laughing my ass off. Dad was looking pissed now, Charlie on the verge of tears. And of course, despite all this, I was ready to go for it one more time. And just as I was about to rush out of the grass and give Charlie one more flick, I saw it. It landed a few yard behind Charlie and Dad. They hadn’t seen it yet. There it was, pecking and scratching at the ground. It twitched and ruffled its feathers. I quietly crept out of the grass and crawled towards my Dad.

“Dad!” I said in a hushed voice, “Look!”

I pointed to it and Dad and Charlie turned to see it. Charlie gasped and Dad grinned.

“You boys ready to catch your first pokemon?” Dad said.

I nodded eagerly while Charlie continued to stare at it, completely mesmerized.

“Is it gonna hurt us dad?” he asked, his gaze still fixed on the bird pokemon.

“No, son, don’t worry,” he said as he drew and enlarged a pokeball on his belt.

“I wanna catch it dad! Can I catch it, please?”

“Alright, Matis,” he said, handing me the pokeball.​

“What do I do?”

“First you weaken it. Let Rosebud out. Don’t throw the pokeball to close to it or it’ll get scared and fly off.”

I slowly nodded and gently tossed the ball. A crimson ball of energy emerged and took the form of Rosebud, my Mother’s Gloom.

“Gloooooooo” it cooed as fowl-smelling nectar dribbled from its lips.

“Dad, I thought you said grass types were weak against bird types.”

“Flying types. And they are, but Rosebud’s a lot stronger than this one. Now soften it up but don’t hurt it too bad.”

“Tackle, Rosebud!”

“Rosebud doesn’t know that, Matis. Try again. Remember, it’s a grass type.”

“Um…absorb?”

“Loooom,” Rosebud cooed as a beam of glowing spores began to drift out of the bird’s feathers and into the center of Rosebud’s flower. The wild pokemon slumped down and angrily fluttered its wings. Its energy had just been drained but it was not going down without a fight. It fluttered toward Gloom and gave her a hard peck between the eyes.

“Try paralyzing it or putting it to sleep—it makes them easier to catch.”

“Sleep powder!”

A cloud of sparkling powder was released from Rosebud’s cranial flower and drifted towards the angry bird. The bird’s vigorous fluttering grew slower and slower until it finally stopped and it collapsed, fast asleep. Dad quickly shoved an empty pokeball into my hand.

“Now.”

I threw the ball at the bird. The capsule popped open and fired a red beam of light at the creature. The pokemon then morphed into a blob of energy and was sucked into the ball. The ball sealed itself and slowly rocked from the side to side, it’s center button flashing a small red light. I watched it with great anxiety, just waiting for it to burst open and my prize to fly off into the distance. Watching that damn ball rock back and forth and that damn light blink was quite possibly the most intense four seconds of my life. The light flashed one final time and the ball sat completely motionless.

“YESSSS!!!” I screamed as I ran towards it. Charlie was just as excited as I was.

“Oh my gosh, Matis!!! Matis!!”

My Dad walked over to me and patted me on the head.

“Good job, son. You’re a real Pokemon Trainer now. You just got yourself a Spearow.”

* * *

​

The Fearow swooped down again, trying to snatch Volty up in its talons. I made sure none of the other’s helped her—this was Votly’s fight, no one else’s. Fearow screeched and dived head-first at the yellow mouse. It spiraled as it dove—it was preparing a drill peck.

“Volty, thunder shock!”

[BLACKOUT]“Chiiuuuu”[/BLACKOUT] she screamed as she blasted it with electricity. The Fearow spun out of control and nearly crashed into the ground. But with a few powerful flaps of its mighty wings, it rose up into the heavens again, ready for another attack. It dove towards Votly once again, screeching angrily as it drew closer and closer

“Quick attack!”

Volty nimbly jumped over the attacking bird. Just as she landed, she bounced back towards the bird and struck it in the back.

“Thunderwave!”

Volty shocked the bird with a steady flow of low-voltage electricity. It didn’t really cause it any pain but that wasn’t the objective. The thunder wave attack left the Fearow completely immobilized.

“Nice work!” I said as I drew an empty greatball from my pouch. I might as well broaden my team. There’s also the nostalgia…

The ball hits the paralyzed bird and a beam of energy sucks the creature into the ball. It rocks back and forth, the center light flashing, and then falls still. Motionless. Alright. Fearow was caught.

I picked up the ball and tapped the center button, shrinking it. I looked down at Volty who was staring back up at me with a huge smile. I pat the ol’ girl on the head and grinned.

“Good job, Volty. You’re a real fighter now.”

[BLACKOUT]“BUZZZ!!” [/BLACKOUT]Sarge grunts. I spin around to see the Electabuz with its arm thrust outwards, having just delivered a punch. The fur on its fist was covered in frost and the surrounding area was covered in a cloud of cold, misty vapors. I smirked. Everything’s coming full-circle.

 

[trustyside-kick]

Owen walks through the small research facility, well at least small in comparison to some of the facilities he has seen in some of the other regions, and looks all around him. Various Pokemon Aides are running about, gathering different data for different Pokemon Projects who all in the end report to Pokemon Professor Pine. Spotting who wears a slightly different labcoat, Owen practically crosses his fingers as he calls out.

"Professor...Pine?"

The man turns around, with a curious look upon his face. Owen feels a bit embarrassed as he thinks he made a mistake, but this feeling of worry and embarrassment quickly passes as the man finally responds to him.

"Victor Pine at your service. How may I assist you today, lad?"

"Hi, my name is Owen Bruer. I uh don't plan to take up too much of your time because I can see that you and your research crew seem to be heavily involved in something right now."

"Oh it's fine. Are uh, you here to receive your first Pokemon? I did not think I had anymore of those type of appointments today aside from Jon."

"No no no. That's not why I've come. I'm a Pokemon Herbalist and Brewer from the Hoenn Region. The original purpose of my coming to explore the Toruko Region was because I was fascinated by all the work I've heard done by the Greene Effort and wanted to participate and volunteer. But as I was flying on the back of my Tropius, I couldn't help but see the sight of the marvelous statue you guys have here in Weald Town. Prior to my leaving, I was unaware that a Legendary Tree Pokemon was indigenous to the region."

Professor Pine is a bit silent for a moment. Silent in thought it would seem which could mean many things. Owen grows to be a bit worried once again as there are so many things that could be going through the researcher's mind at the moment. Surely something as delicate as information on a Legendary Pokemon could be a hush hush thing; perhaps only known to some of the natives of the Toruko Region.

"I see. So you've come to ask me about Tereant have you? I'm assuming you already read what's on the plaque."

"Yes, sir. And I was asking around with some of the locals and they all had their own little things to add and say but they all in the end kept referring you as the top source of information. Now, I can understand if you'd naturally keep whatever knowledge you might have on the legendary Pokemon for fear of misuse of said knowledge, but I can assure you my curiosity mainly stems from my passion for Herbalism."

"Ah, a perspective I never looked at before really concerning Tereant. You're curious if it drops any sort of seeds, berries, or herbs that may be used for medicine or something of the sort."

"Exactly. Just imagine the work that could be done and the good that could be accomplished if my suspicions were true!"

"I see..."

Going through one of his desk drawers, Victor Pine digs through various papers and objects hidden within. Pulling out a small key, he walks over to a picture he has pinned against the wall, placing it down and revealing a small wall safe. With the proper combination he is able to unlock the safe and pulls out a map of the Toruko Region. As he brings the map over to his desk he lays it out for Owen to see.

"Now, you must understand why I cannot let you take this map along with you, and I hope you will understand why I cannot let you jot anything down as you take a glimpse of this map."

"I understand completely. Go on, Professor, Please."

"Alright, you see these marks on the map? These marks represent locations where local townspeople and various city-folk and traveling tourists claimed to have seem some unnatural occurrences in the blooming of trees, flowers, plants and the like. Now I've personally visited these locations with my own crew of specialists and aides and out of all the locations I found it that these ones, marked with this symbol are the ones where a patterned seemed to form."

"I see. So it kind of would be like a certain pattern in Tereants movements throughout the region were the Legendary Pokemon to truly exist. So the locals in those areas said that they saw sudden unexplainable changes in vegetation and the like?"

"Precisely. Now, if you can paint a mental picture in your head, by all means feel free to check out these locations by yourself. I'm afraid that is the most of help I can be to you, Owen."

Scanning the map for a little while longer, trying to engrave every location that Owen finds to be key to figuring out the mysterious involvement of a supposed Legendary Tree Pokemon, Owen's eyes are nearly glued to the desk. Until Jon is ready to depart, Owen is going to try to memorize these coordinates and nearby landmarks to help him on his journey.

 

[trustyside-kick]

Vincent Rivers - Gym Leader & Pokémon Aide Extraordinaire
------------------------------------------------------------------------​

Leaving Firepit Gym after saying their goodbyes to Gym Leader Castor Blaise, Vincent & Seth decided it would be best to stay at the Pokemon Center in Slagville Town overnight. The journey would've been far too tiredsome should they had tried to make it all the way back to the Seafoam Islands when by the time they left the gym it was already nightfall.

"Gotta admit, it was pretty nice getting some fresh air. Thanks for forcing me to tag along, little bro."

"You know, I was thinking...there hasn't been a Gym challenge back on the Seafoam Islands in a short while. Seems like most of the trainers end up challenging me after they've beaten others like Drew or Castor. What do you say we spend the day here in Slagville Town? I read in the paper that they recently found some more fossils at the Fossil Research Facility just a few days ago."

"Huh...any clue what fossils exactly?"

"One of them is rumored to have Relicanth scales fossilized within."

Rising up from his bed which lies across the room from Vincent's, Seth is finally interested in the proposal. Vincent knew this would excite Seth. Few Relicanth have ever been discovered, for it is a very rare ancient Pokemon. Malcom Rivers, their father, is one of the few in the Toruko Region to ever encounter it and also catch one. Just seeing those fossilized scales...while most likely not of the same Relicanth his father had...is a way of remembrance to their father. Always caught up on finding rare and mysterious Water-type Pokemon, Malcom used to tell his boys so many things he discovered on his adventures.

"Count me in, Vinnie. We'll check it out after breakfast."

 

[Blacklight]

And

The 'Secret Spot', Some time later...


Laughing while they reminisce on the good times they shared over the past few years since his arrival in Weald Town, Lindsey and Jon both lied on their backs and looked up at the sky from their 'Secret Spot' in the forest near their home. A small patch that had a clear view of the sky, free of the obscuring trees that plagued the rest of the forest that surrounded their town.

"I can't believe you're leaving... It feels so sudden." Lindsey said after she finished her fit of giggling.

"Yeah... But this is my dream. And you know that."

"I know... but still. I'm gonna miss you, Jon."

"I'll miss you too, Lindsey. But I'll be back... You haven't seen the last of me."

"I hope not."

Then as the young pair got up to head back so that Jon could start his quest, they started to hear some rustling in the bushes and tall grass adjacent to them.

"What was that?" Lindsey asked, startled.

Readying his Pokeball, Jon looked at the patch of grass ready for what was about to strike, but was shocked to see a pair of wild Pachirisu emerging from it, one of them having a more unusual coloring than the other.

​

Jon could tell from the pink stripe on it's fur that it was no ordinary Pachirisu, but a "Shiny" one, and the fact that said stripe was shorter than the other's also showed the Shiny Pachirisu to be female.

"Ooh! Jon! Show me how to catch a Pokemon!" Lindsey exclaimed upon seeing them. This however proved to be a dilemma for Jon, as he did not know how to catch a Pokemon. But, seeing this as an oppurtunity to impress the girl next door, he decided to give it a try.

The Pachirisu pair took notice of the young trainer as he let the Pokeballs in his hands fly, releasing his two Pokemon.

"Cyndaquil! Larvitar!"

​

"Use Tackle and Bite attacks!"

Cyndaquil started by attacking the pink Pachirisu, whilst Larvitar bit the blue one. The Pachirisu then responded by going for a Quick Attack, succeeding in fending off Cyndaquil, but not so much Larvitar.

As the battle raged on, Jon noticed Lindsey's interest beginning to fade, so it was now or never.

"Ok, guys. I need you to focus on the Pink one! Tackle! Bite!"

Both of Jon's Pokemon then focused their attacks on the Shiny Pokemon, doing enough damage to make it unable to fight without completely knocking it out. Which, from what Jon knew, was perfect.

At least he hoped so...

Taking out a fresh, empty Pokeball from his backpack, he tossed it at the pink Pachirisu, and he, as well as Lindsey and the three other Pokemon all watched intently as the Pokeball began to shake. It moved once... then again... then once more.

"C'mon..." Jon muttered as he prayed the ball wouldn't open.

And a few seconds later, the glowing, red dot on the center of the PokeBall dimmed, indicating Jon's first successful capture.

But it wasn't over yet. There was still one more thing to do...

Angered at the capture of it's friend, the blue Pachirisu then attacked Cyndaquil with and increased ferocity. The Fire Mouse Pokemon was knocked back, something of which made Jon gasp in shock. But he acted quickly and retaliated.

"Larvitar! Use Screech!"

Jon's dual Ground/Rock type Pokemon then unleashed a cry so loud that it caused the Pachirisu to hold it's ears in pain, giving Jon the oppurtunity to press on his attack.

"Tackle, Cyndaquil! One more time!"

Cyndaquil dived at the Squirrel Pokemon, most certainly lowering it's health to a critical level. Jon then grabbed another new PokeBall from his bag and tossed it at the Pokemon.

Then, as they did before, they all looked at the ball as it rocked rythmically back and forth three times before it stopped moving. The Pokemon was caught.

"Yes..." Jon said as the PokeBalls flew into his hands, containing the newly caught Pachirisu.

"Great job, guys. Return..." Jon said as he returned his Pokemon to their Pokeballs, placing them on his belt.

Turning to Lindsey, he handed her the ball with the Pink Pachirisu.

"Something to remember me by?"

"Definately. Thanks, Jon. I'll have it with me forever..."

Taking it, Lindsey smiled at Jon, blushing as their eyes locked.

"Well, I have to go and meet Owen so we can head for Willow Town..."

"I guess this is goodbye then?"

"I guess it is..."

The two looked into eachother's eyes, their bodies growing closer, before they realized what was happening and they jerked away, afraid of what would happen to their friendship if they were to ever become something... more.

"Goodbye, Jon..."

"Goodbye, Lindsey." Jon said as he walked away... saddened. While Lindsey looked at the gift Jon gave her, and proceeded to press it against her chest; holding it as close to her heart as she held Jon.

* * *​

Outside Pine's Lab, A few minutes later...


With Cyndaquil fed the Pokeblocks he recieved, his bag packed with all of his stuff, and a new Pokemon added to his party, Jon utilized the last hour to the fullest. Now all he had to do was wait for Owen to finish up at the very lab he stood in front of so they could get going.

"Alright. I'm ready. Now where's Owen?"

 

[Rain Dog]

LT. SURGE​

The Driffblim balloon touched down in Willow. Me and Rai climbed out of the basket and entered the town. It’s pretty peaceful here. Nice and green. It’s a nice change from the hustle and bustle of Vermillion. Sarge finally got a hang of Ice Punch before we took off and that Fearow I caught is doing alright. It could prove to be a real asset here in Willow Town’s gym. Grass-type Gym Leader, just like sweet Erika back in Kanto. I thought I might enjoy my stay here for just a bit before getting down to business. But then decided against it. I can stop and smell the flowers when I’m done trampling them.

I entered the gym. Greene—the kid who runs this place (what a fitting name, eh?)—is dead in my sights. But like most gym (and mine is no exception), he’s surrounded by groupies who think you have to prove yourself to them before they let you stomp their leader’s ass. I try to make my way towards Blake, doing my best to ignore the *******s that surround him.

“Hey! You! Not so fast, pal! You think you got what it takes to battle Blake?”

“Kid, I don’t have time for this. I came here to challenge one person and one person only.”

“Ooh, tough guy, eh?” he said as he grabbed a pokeball from his belt. *******.

“One more person can’t hurt. How’s about it? Or are you chicken.”

I ****ing hate kids.

“Do you know who I am, kid? I’m trying to save you the humiliation of getting your ass kicked in front of your boyfriends.”

“*****!”

“Jesus Christ. Fine!” I shout as I grab a pokeball from my belt. This kid is in way over his head. And I will make sure he knows it.

 

[trustyside-kick]

Outside Pine's Lab, A few minutes later...


With Cyndaquil fed the Pokeblocks he recieved, his bag packed with all of his stuff, and a new Pokemon added to his party, Jon utilized the last hour to the fullest. Now all he had to do was wait for Owen to finish up at the very lab he stood in front of so they could get going.

"Alright. I'm ready. Now where's Owen?"

Stepping outside of Professor Pine's Lab, Owen is constantly mouthing to himself under his breath information for his 'mental map' he needs to keep rooted deep in his mind. Luckily, the Pokemon Herbalist has a very good memory so he isn't too much worried; the only real worry is mixing up Route numbers since he has yet to travel and see the rest of the Toruko Region.

Waiting for him outside of the Pokemon Professor's Lab lies Jon. I walks up to him, taking a Pokeball out of his satchel.

"All set? Took a bit longer than I expected, but I'm ready now."

 

[Blacklight]

Stepping outside of Professor Pine's Lab, Owen is constantly mouthing to himself under his breath information for his 'mental map' he needs to keep rooted deep in his mind. Luckily, the Pokemon Herbalist has a very good memory so he isn't too much worried; the only real worry is mixing up Route numbers since he has yet to travel and see the rest of the Toruko Region.
Waiting for him outside of the Pokemon Professor's Lab lies Jon. I walks up to him, taking a Pokeball out of his satchel.

"All set? Took a bit longer than I expected, but I'm ready now."

"Yeah, I'm ready. Let's go." Jon said with excitement, fo after all this time, Jon was finally making his first step to become a Pokemon Master. He was on his way to getting his first badge!

After Owen nodded and smirked in agreement, the pair started heading down Route 102. Their destination: Willow Town.

 

[trustyside-kick]

"Yeah, I'm ready. Let's go." Jon said with excitement, fo after all this time, Jon was finally making his first step to become a Pokemon Master. He was on his way to getting his first badge!

After Owen nodded and smirked in agreement, the pair started heading down Route 102. Their destination: Willow Town.

As Owen and Jon travel along route 102, Owen marvels at the sheer beauty of it. This area of the Toruko Region had been so lush with life and everywhere you looked it was like an endless sea of green. Which makes Owen just wonder how amazing Willow Town itself will look.

"Help help!"

A young girl trainer runs up to the duo, out of breath as she was exhausted. She finally gathers herself, and explains what exactly is going on to the two confused guys in front of her.

"There's these two thugs. They wanted to battle. So I figured, you know, all right; I have a Wooper and a Hoppip. So a 2v2 Pokemon match was no problem to me. But they cheated! I won the battle and then they threw down some sort of smoke bomb and stole my Pokemon!"

"Criminals. Few things bug me more than someone who cannot respect the relationship between a person and their Pokemon. We'll track those hooligans down. What did they look like?"

"They were wearing white and black outfits, with a tattered red letter on their chests. Couldn't really see what the letter was because their uniforms looked like they were way over due on being replaced."

Reaching into his satchel, Owen grabs a Pokeball and presses the button.

"Dunsparce! We've got two thieves on the loose! Use dig to get around faster and cast an Earthquake when you see two guys in white and black uniform with a torn red letter on their chests. That way we know exactly where to go should you find them first."

Quickly Dunsparce uses dig and burrows itself into the ground. Owen turns to Jon as he grabs another Pokeball from his satchell. Releasing his Meganium he nods.

"Ready, Jon?"

 

[Rain Dog]

LT. SURGE​

“Go, Bulbasaur!” the kid shouts as he hurls his pokeball to the ground. The capsule bursts open and a small, blue, toad-like creature emerged.

“Rai, end this, quick,” I say to the rat. Rai hops off my shoulders and into the grassy battlefield, standing on all fours, his tail pointed upwards. Sparks flew from his cheeks as he growled at the challenger.

“You’re sending an electric against a grass-type? And you think you can take on Blake?”

“Shut the hell up and get on with the battle, kid.”

“Vine whip!” the boy commanded. Two long, thorny vines extended from either side of the creature’s bulb and whipped themselves backwards, preparing for a powerful lash.

“Quick-attack!”

Rai sprinted at Bulbasaur, leaping over the incoming vines that cracked under his feet. He tackled the reptilian plant head-on and sent the creature rolling backwards. Bulbasaur came to a stop and stood on his feet once more. The boy was getting pissy now, I could tell.

“Leech seed!”

A small seed popped out of the bulb on the creatures back and leapt towards Rai.

“Rai, another quick-attack, then mega kick!”

Rai evaded the seed—we’ve dealt with it before. Too many times. Kids from Pallet are always using their Bulbasaurs and Ivysaurs against us. He ran towards Bulbasaur once more and then delivered a devastating kick to the head. Bulbasaur was out cold. The kid withdrew his prized pet and was on verge of tears. Little *****.

“I didn’t even get one hit in!”

“Right, now stop whining and let me do what I came here to do.”

He frowned and stepped out of the way. I said it before and I’ll say it again: I ****ing hate kids.