#sitrus the bellsprout

[professor-amaryllis]

You guys are not gonna believe what I found in a thrift store today. It's hand knit! I bought it instantly i can not believe anyone gave this away.

[bubblegumbuck]

I love drawing complex Bgs in pokemon art there are jusr so many silly objects you can make

[professor-amaryllis]

This is a very interesting topic, really, because as much as I am about as well known as a Poison type expert as I am for anything else in my life, it really wasn't until perhaps just over a decade ago that I truly discovered my love for the type, despite having my first pokemon slinky, An Arbok, from the age of five.

I loved him dearly, of course, and still do, but my team through much of my youth was about as varied as one could possibly be, and Slinky was my only poison type for most of it, unless you count my houndoom, which is a scientific debate that I simply have no interest in getting into at the moment.

I'm not really sure what it was that truly pushed me to specialize in poison types, I suppose in many ways I fell in love with them during my time in the orange islands studying under Professor Ivy. That's where I added Bruno my Nidorino as well as Bellsprout and first Oddish to my little family here. There were so many wonderful poison types there, and I had already had a little bit of a lingering interest in poisons that's hard for me to track down a real source for...

Though I do have the faintest memory of someone that I must have spoke to at least a few times, they had been quite interested in Slinky and the venom he produced. Why I can't quite remember, it's actually rather weak compared to wild type Arbok, but they did talk at length to me about poisons. I wonder sometimes if that was the start of all of this, as silly as the notion really is, that some stranger could have that much of an affect on your life. I couldn't even tell you what they looked like now, much less their name.

I have a question for those of you who are known to have a particular fixation on one certain type of Pokemon, while also owning one or more of that Pokemon.

Did your fixation start before or after you first obtained a member of that species?

Did you already have a love for that species, so you actively chose to seek out that Pokemon? Or did obtaining that Pokemon cause them to charm you enough that you developed a particular love afterwards? I am curious.

[meganuzlockediary]

Gym 4! Heart Gold!

December 22nd

I did it! This one took so long! I was obviously distracted by Christmas and other games honestly but Morty is down!

So Morty is very annoying and requires some preparation. I don't have any good counters as non of my pokemon learn bite. So I look to the one encounter that will be helpful here. Umbreon. By going to Ecruteak and meeting Bill we can get an Eevee which I name Night (may change it). I spend AGES raising its friendship with a soothbell and evolve her into umbreon at level 8.

Other encounters I caught and boxed included a Nidoran F named Lilac from before the national park and A Koffing from burned tower named Fumes. I Failed to catch the Sudowoodo and A stantler on the route before Ecruteak which is frustrating but tbh I wanna save stantler for Arceus and I can always use Sudowoodo another time.

I also train up a Bellsprout I caught on route 31 named Pitcher into a Weepinbell. While I have used Bellsprout before I have not used Weepinbell and Victreebel making them fair game.

Chlorophyll is a fun ability perhaps with vitreebel and typhlosion and can pull some fun stuff.

Regardless there are 2 boss battles this round and with my team levelled I can take them on.

First is the rival battle in the Burned tower. He starts with Gastly which Umbreon takes care off easily. He then goes straight into Croconaw. Icefang is pretty intimidating but fortunately I am able to take it out with Heracross as it uses 3 scary faces instead of just attacking. A running theme. Magnemite isnt too bad with a fighting type move and finally is Zubat which I finish off with Onix. Overall a lot easier than previously. I have plenty of options now. All is going well.

Now for Morty, I want to be as ready as possible. So I do some rock smashing in the ruins of alph to collect some berries Specificcaly Sitrus and Lum berries. Morty's hypnosis on his haunter and gengar are a pain so if I can get some ways around that and on the theory that status moves are often used first I should be able to take out Morty with few issues. Also rocksmashing is pretty good for training wooper into quagsire!

So Morty starts with a Gastly. I can one shot with Umbreons pursuit and so I do just that. He brings in Gengar immediately! I know gengar can outspeed but I want to prevent any issues. Fortunately it uses mean look. I use taunt to prevent hypnosis and then shoot for a 3 hit KO with Pursuit. I think I got lucky with a low roll and a use of the gengars sitrus berry keeping gengar out of healing range. With 2 haunters to come I use protect on Umbreon to scout which Haunter. In hindsight it was never going to be the hypnosis haunter due to it not being able to damage umbreon. Unfortunately this haunter uses mean look on his turn trapping my Umbreon who is on 1/3 health due to having to tank some shadow balls from gengar. Fortunately it next uses Curse reducing its hp in half and allowing Umbreon to finish it with pursuit. Now too low in hp and cursed I switch out to weepinbell to use sleep powder then switch to my newly evolved Noctowl to finish the haunter with confusion.

Honestly, I may have been too scared this match but the preparation has paid off. Now we're into the true midgame!

Pokemon Caught: 55

Pokemon Down: 11

Badges Won: 20! Woo!

[ericsonclan]

How to Curry Favor

Summary: Omar meets some trainers on his Pokemon journey who show him camping with others isn't always a bad thing.

Read on A03:

Omar felt the weight of his pack grow heavier on his back with each step. He knew that it would probably be for the best if he looked for a campsite for the night. Being alone had always suited Omar more or at least that’s what he told himself whenever he came across other trainers. Whenever he reached a campsite he always got filled with dread, the memories of the few times he had joined crashing into his mind. The far and few times he had joined a site, the other trainers always seemed to brush him off or get upset based on his beliefs in certain topics. 

Omar shifted the pressure on his left leg to his right leg, looking out towards the field of tall grass that stood between him and the route that would eventually lead to Marsh Town. There was rumoured to be rustic classics just waiting to be added to his collection of recipes. His eyes looked towards the sky that was turning from the calming blue into a bright orange.

I can’t stay on route 20 for long. Not when it gets dark. He was drawn out his thoughts when his Applin shuffled in the open palm of his hand.

“Sorry, I’ll find us a place to rest,” He gave a small smile towards his Pokemon who seemed happy by the news.

“Applin!” it cried before settling down in his hand once more. Omar focused back on finding a camping spot. This route had been reported to contain dangerous Pokemon. If he was lucky there would be others here if not… He would just have to spend another night camping alone and keep watch.

He walked down the trail for a few more minutes when he spotted a campsite off in the distance where a few trainers were staying. Omar took a deep breath, preparing for the worst but hoping for the best when he walked forward. When he came closer towards the camp a redhead with slicked back hair looked up from her camping chair where a Cleffa cuddled comfortably in her arms.

The redhead said something to the brunette man by her side who turned towards her before looking up from his task of setting up a tent towards Omar. Before Omar had even reached the site, a man with dreadlocks ran forward with a huge grin on his face.

“Hey there! Come to join our campsite? ”His smile disappeared for a split second when he saw Omar’s surprised expression on his face. “Only if you want to.”

“That would be great if you have the space.” Omar replied, looking down at the sleeping Applin in his hand. He hadn’t met anyone so friendly at a camp before.

“Of course!” His dreadlocks swayed when he extended his hand. “I’m Louis!”

Omar shook the man's hand with a firm handshake. “Omar.”

“Well, Omar, come on over,” Louis turned around sharply causing his coat tails to flutter in the wind. “We happen to have a great spot left if you want to claim it.” He motioned over to a grassy spot on the left corner of the site.

“Thanks,” Omar looked towards Louis before starting on setting up for the night. After he gently set down Applin on top of his jacket he began to set up his tent and sleep bag. When that was finished he decided to let his Drowzee out for a bit to stretch his legs. Drowzee seemed more than happy to be out of its Pokeball. Omar then moved onto setting up his cooking pot and prepping station for dinner. It was just at that moment when he noticed a girl walk over with an Absol walking calmly by her side.

“Hey there, I wanted to give you a few minutes to set up before introducing myself. I’m Clementine.” The girl gave a warm smile towards Omar who once again felt a feeling of surprise wash over him.

“Omar,” he paused when he saw Clementine’s eyebrow quirk at his Drowzee. Omar’s eyes traveled down to see his Pokemon standing more defensively, its nose swaying slightly as it stared at the Absol. “Drowzee, relax, that’s a friendly Pokemon,” Omar looked back at Clementine. “Is your Absol alright if I pet it? My Drowzee can be a bit of an anxious Pokemon, but usually if he sees that I get along with the Pokemon he’s fine.”

Clementine was taken aback by Omar’s question. Usually people were wary of her Absol and wouldn’t really like being near it. “Sure,” Clementine gave a few pats to her Absol before gesturing for it to step forward. The Absol’s red eyes stared into Omar’s who seemed unfazed by it. Slowly he moved his hand forward, waiting for the Pokemon’s approval. When the Absol seemed fine with it, Omar brushed his hand on the top of the Pokemon’s head who seemed happy with the affection.

“I usually don’t see many Absols on my travels,” Omar glanced up at Clementine who seemed touched by his acceptance of her Pokemon.

“Not many trainers want one. Usually people say they’re doombringers but that couldn’t be farther from the truth,” Omar could tell there was a story behind Clementine’s words, but he knew it wasn’t his place to pry.

“I also came over to ask if you wanted to join the others and myself at the center of the campsite. Brody has started a fresh pot of MooMoo milk,” Clementine motioned over to the redhead who was stirring the contents of a pot when the brunette man came up from behind and wrapped her in a warm hug. The girl seemed surprised for a moment before smiling back at him.

“I’d like that. My Drowzee is a bit anxious around new trainers. Is it alright if he stays back with my Applin?” Omar scratched the top of his Drowzee’s head who seemed pleased with itself.

“Sure,” Clementine smiled at Omar.

With reassuring words that he’d be back in a little bit, Omar walked alongside Clementine to the center of the campsite where five chairs had been set out. Louis was busy talking to the other two when he noticed Clementine, a bright smile playing on his lips as he motioned her over.

“Hey, Omar! Come to join us?” Louis intertwined his fingers with Clementine’s when she had sat down in the chair beside him. A Bellsprout was nuzzling against Louis’ leg under his coat.

“That was the plan,” Omar sat down in a chair and was immediately struck with how unusual this camping experience had been so far for him. Rarely did he meet people like this. “Thanks for letting me stay at the campsite.”

Louis waved a hand dismissively. “Think nothing of it. Oh! You haven’t met these two, have you?” Louis looked over at the pair who were busy preparing mugs of warm MooMoo milk for the others.

“Hi there, my name’s Brody,” The redhead smiled shyly at Omar before handing him a mug which he accepted gratefully. “And this is my boyfriend Mitch,” She put a hand on Mitch’s arm who looked over Omar and gave a small nod.

“Hey.”

“Hello,” Omar took a quick sip of his drink when Louis spoke up again.

“So tell us Omar, what brings you to the likes of Route 20?” Louis leaned forward, clearly intrigued to find out the answer. The others also seemed interested as well.

“I was on my way to Marsh Town to find some new recipes,”

“Oh, you’re a chef?” Clementine’s voice made Omar look over towards her.

“That’s my dream, but for now I’m traveling with my Pokemon to find new recipes and…” Omar’s voice faltered for a moment. Should he share the next part of his sentence? It was usually the part that people didn’t care for. He studied the group’s eyes for a second before deciding to go for it. “And to find healthy and delicious alternatives to recipes to make sure that no Pokemon lose their lives for our meals.”

The group seemed amazed by his statement.

“That’s amazing!” Brody wrapped her arms around her Cleffa once more while carefully holding her hot drink.

“Yeah, sounds cool,” Mitch pushed aside his Golbat that was trying to sneak some sips from his drink.

“Do any of you cook much?” Omar looked around at the group.

“I only know about five curry recipes,” Clementine stated. “It’s enough to get by so it works out well.”

“I know one,” Mitch grumbled, annoyed by his own lack of skill when it came to cooking.

“I know two curry recipes,” Brody leaned back in her chair and took a long sip from her cup. Louis looked proud when it was his turn to answer. “I know a whopping dozen recipes! They are all safely tucked away right here,” Louis tapped the side of his head with his index finger.

“Most burn to shit though,” Mitch looked over at his friend with a smirk.

Louis’ face fell at the comment.

“Mitch,” Brody scolded, whacking the side of his arm in disapproval.

“What? It’s true.” Mitch looked over at his girlfriend.

“Well, Louis’ curries are getting better each camping trip,” Clementine added to which Louis’ warm smile appeared once again. “What about you, Omar? How many curry recipes do you know?” Omar thought for a minute, trying to recall how many he had obtained over his six years as a trainer. “If it’s just curries, I would guess around 151.”

“151!?!” Mitch’s eyes were large at Omar’s words. “How are there that many fucking types of curry?”

“It all depends on the ingredients and the imagination of the person,” Omar stated simply.

“You gotta cook for us tonight!” Louis nearly jumped up on the spot at his own suggestion.

“Only if you want to,” Clementine added, hoping that the suggestion hadn’t stressed out Omar, but when she looked over at him she saw the biggest smile yet appear on his lips.

“I’d love to.” Omar suddenly was struck with realization, “But I didn’t bring nearly enough for this many people and Pokemon.”

“No need to worry about that,” Louis got up to his feet, carefully placing the sleeping Bellsprout onto his camp chair. “Just tell me what you need and Mitch and I can grab it at the nearby town.

Omar looked shocked by the offer. “I don’t have the funds right now to pay for it,”

“Don’t worry about that. I got it covered,” Louis flashed a charismatic smile.

“Alright: lum, sitrus, mago, kelpsy and hondew berries, fresh cream and some veggies like-”

“Hold on, there is no way those two will remember that,” Brody reached in her pack to grab a piece of paper and pencil.

“She’s right, it would be better to write a list for them.”

“Hey!” Mitch stood up in a huff. “We’re not dumbasses.”

“Well,” Louis scratched the back of his head, “When it comes to this, Mitch, we sorta are. We’ve totally forgotten things in past shopping trips.”

Mitch tried to come up with a comeback but fell short, tapping his foot impatiently while Omar jotted down the list of ingredients.

“Thanks, Omar,” Louis took the list and planted a quick kiss on Clementine’s cheek. “We won’t be long,”

“Okay,”

“Be safe,” Brody held onto Mitch’s hand for a second. Mitch gave a small smile to Brody before kissing her.

“I will,” With that the two were off, promising to be back within the next half hour or so. The three sat around the center of the campsite in silence, each of them focusing on finishing up their drinks.

Clementine was the first to rise up, brushing some dust off her pants before taking out two Pokeballs and tossing them in the air. A sound emitted from each Pokeball and a faint light as a Luxray and Leafeon appeared. “You want to join us in some games?’ Clementine looked over at Omar with a smile.

He didn’t know exactly how to respond. This was this first time he had been offered to join in with playing with other people’s Pokemon. Brody got up as well, releasing a Spinda from its Pokeball.

“Sure, let me just check on Drowzee and Applin,” Omar got up and walked over to his two Pokemon who happily greeted him when he showed up.

“Applin!” The Pokemon cried, its eyes popping out from the apple and looking up at Omar with adoration.

“Hey there,” Omar picked up the Pokemon in his hand again. “How would you two like to join the others in some games?”

His Drowzee seemed still unsure by the suggestion while Applin seemed perfectly content with staying his hand. “Okay, you two can stick by me, but I’m sure Sizzlipede would love the friends,” Omar unclicked the Pokeball from his belt and threw it in the air; a tiny red Pokemon emerged in front of him. “Want to make some new friends?” Omar kneeled down in front of his Pokemon.

“Sizzli!” The Pokemon closed its eyes, swaying its head back and forth in agreement. Omar flashed a quick smile before making his way back towards the others who had pulled out all their Pokemon toys. An old, worn-out rubber ball in the style of a Pokeball laid by Absol’s feet while a mirror ball was stared at curiously by the Spinda who stumbled on its feet with each step.

“Oh, you have another Pokemon?” Clementine asked, a feather play toy in her hand that Luxray was already trying to get to.

“So cute,” Brody smiled down at the Sizzlipede who gave a happy cry at the new face. “Are your other Pokemon going to want to join in?” She looked over at Drowzee who was clutching onto Omar’s pant leg.

“No, they’re shy with new people,” Omar lifted a finger and rubbed the top of Applin’s head.

“My Cleffa is the same way,” Brody lifted up her arms that had the Cleffa in it who looked at Omar for a second before turning its gaze downward. Suddenly Omar felt something brush up against his leg. Looking down he saw Clementine’s Leafeon who seemed to have already taken a liking to him.

“Leafeon,” it purred as the leaf on its head blew in the wind, causing the scent of fresh morning grass to overwhelm Omar’s senses. If the Leafeon had that smell, then it must be a fairly young Pokemon.

“Looks like Leafeon is already becoming friends with you,” Clementine pulled up her hands, causing Luxray to let out a whine while she stretched her paws towards the feather toy.

“Looks like it,” Omar smiled down at the Pokemon and gave it a few scratches which seemed to help his Drowzee calm down.

Soon the games started first with a fun game of fetch. Clementine tossed the old rubber ball as far as she could. Luxray was off like a shot, tearing up grass and dirt when she ran forward. Sizzlipede wasn’t going to let her competition get away with it though. The Pokemon moved its tiny legs as fast as she could, leaving a thin layer of dust while it tried to catch up. Spinda on the other hand was going the wrong way, stumbling and tumbling over, getting once again distracted by the mirror ball.

“Spinda, Clem threw it that way,” Brody blinked her eyes a couple of times, trying not to get dizzy just looking at her Pokemon. Luxray returned within seconds, causing Sizzlipede to stop, slowly turning around and jetting off after her. Omar chuckled while he watched his Pokemon. Even though throughout the rounds Luxray and Leafeon would end up getting the ball, Sizzlipede would never give up. A small, joyful glint played in her eyes whenever she tried to chase after the other Pokemon. In one heated round Spinda had actually gone the right way, stumbling around and looking more like it was dancing than trying to get a ball. Luxray immediately got distracted by the Pokemon and jumped around it, barking excitedly while arching her back playfully.

“Lux! Lux!”

“Spiiiiiinda,” The Pokemon fell on its feet once more but didn’t seem to mind as it got right back up again. Absol watched from the sidelines, seeming to pay particular attention to Luxray before resting his head once more. The games continued for some time until Louis and Mitch came back.

“We come bearing many gifts!” Louis exclaimed, placing the bags down on one of the camping tables. Omar looked up from waving the feather toy back and forth for Luxray and Sizzlipede.

“Thanks, I can get started right away,” Omar placed aside the feather toy and started to make his way to his supplies to prep.

“Oh, we can help,” Brody offered with a kind smile.

Omar looked up and nodded. “That would be great, if you could just cut up those vegetables,” He gestured over to the array of veggies besides him. Brody and Clementine immediately started helping out while Louis and Mitch took a break, receiving much love and attention from the different Pokemon. Omar started on the cooking, getting a good base for the curry while the rice cooked. Once the base was set and at the right consistency he added some of the berries, making a rich, flavorful sauce. Once the rice was done he placed it to the side and reseasoned a pan before placing veggie patties on it. The patties sizzled and popped from the heat. A warm, comforting flavor filled the air which made Mitch’s stomach growl while he tossed one of the toys for Golbat to catch.

Once enough of the patties were done, Omar set out to layer the plates. First with the soft, fluffy rice seasoned with mild spices, then he added the berry-filled curry sauce that the rice soaked in on contact. Lastly he added two veggies patties on each plate, ladling another small serving of the sauce on its side before presenting the dish. The other four looked in awe at the presentation of the dish.

“Holy shit!” Mitch wiped his mouth when drool started to appear on it.

“It looks amazing,” Clementine looked at it, the aroma of it overpowering her nostrils and causing her stomach to growl. Suddenly she felt a paw whack against her leg. Luxray looked up at her with large eyes.

“Don’t worry, I made enough for all your Pokemon too,” Omar moved back, revealing the different Pokemon bowls he had asked them to bring over. Each of them was filled with the same mouth-watering meal. “It should be the right amount based on what I know of your Pokemon’s usual weight and metabolism.”

“Whoa, you really thought of everything,” Brody looked at the food with a level of disbelief in her eyes. “I can’t believe you can make it look this good,”

“There is no need to wait: grab a seat and enjoy,” Omar motioned before sitting down himself. The others didn’t need to be told twice. Immediately they started to dig in along with their Pokemon. Some tried to take their time like Brody and her Cleffa while others struggled to maintain any manners like Louis and his Trubbish. The five sat around the table talking about some of their adventures along the way.

“Oh, you gotta camp with us again when we’ve got some of the others with us,” Louis spoke, a grain of rice shooting across the table.

Omar flicked aside the grain before looking at Louis who had an apologetic look on his face. “You don’t just travel together?”

“No, we usually only meet up here and there. Louis and I actually met Brody and Mitch one night when they needed a camp to crash at.” Clementine looked over at Brody.

“It was really sweet of them. That was the first time we met Marlon and Violet too. You remember that, Mitch?” Brody smiled at her boyfriend who swallowed his mouthful of food before responding.

“We also met Prisha there too,”

“You know a lot of other trainers.” Omar took another bite of his curry.

“Well, if you wouldn’t mind exchanging contact info you can join us again sometime,” Clementine’s offer shocked Omar who sat in silence considering it.

“I’d like that, but first,” Omar snatched up his bowls along with his Pokemon. “We should get the dishes done so we can move to dessert.”

“Holy shit, there’s more?” Louis’s eyes danced with excitement. Everyone helped out with the dishes. Even some of the Pokemon tried to as well, although some like Spinda were thanked for their offer but didn’t end up helping out.

Soon the pots and dishes were clean and Omar started once again, first getting the rice started off again then the base with sweeter spices to bring out the brighter, fruitier notes hidden with the berries.

When the sauce was done Omar asked each of them to take a turn whipping the cream, figuring it would be a nice way to have them help out. “You use your arms and position the bowl like this,” Omar demonstrated before passing off the bowl to Clementine who only took a few seconds to catch onto the gist of things. Omar put his focus back on the dish at hand and incorporated some more ingredients into the mix and after a few minutes of letting its stew, the juices formed together into a flavorful sauce he took off the heat.

Once again he gave special attention to detail when plating the dishes. The sweet rice was placed first then the bittersweet sauce was added next. Last but not least he added the whipped cream that each of the trainers had helped make. When it was done, everyone dug in once again.

“Fuckin’ A!” Mitch’s eyes brightened. “This is fucking delicious,” He scarfed down his dessert within seconds. Omar shook his head at how fast Mitch had inhaled the food. He didn’t even bother to savor it. But a small smile crept up onto Omar’s lips, happy for all the compliments his dishes were getting.

After the meal was done, the five of them sat around and talked for a bit longer. They shared some funny stories with their Pokemon, some of which seemed to not care while others seemed to understand their trainer’s words and took some offense to it.

“Come on, Bellsprout, it was cute!” Louis pleaded but the Bellsprout had jumped off his lap and after a few seconds of struggle had plopped itself onto Clementine’s lap.

“Bell,” it huffed, turning away from Louis’ face.

“I should probably head to bed. My Pokemon seem pretty tired,” Omar’s head tilted to his arms where all three of his Pokemon had fallen asleep.

“Oh, before we forget, here!” Louis hands shot forward, holding his phone. “ Your info!” Omar took the phone and one by one the others handed theirs forward until everyone’s contact info had been inputted. With that Omar got up, wishing the others a good night sleep before dipping into his tent.

After a few minutes he was settled into his sleeping bag, the warmth slowly covering his body as a smile appeared on his lips. This had easily been the best campsite he had ever been to. Not only were the people nice, but their Pokemon had gotten along with his. Omar’s eyes fell upon his phone which laid beside his sleeping bag.

His smile grew as he thought of the prospect of another campsite night. For the first time on his journey he was excited to have run into other trainers.

[ghostmartyr]

Pokémon FireRed Nuzlocke [Part 9]

Through the power of no grinding, we’ve earned all eight badges. All that’s left is Victory Road and the Elite Four.

Er.

Sort of.

My team might need some moveset adjustment.

I need my money for Full Restores.

So.

Let me just say, before all the fun is sucked out of me with this, that I love that Erika’s city has a gambling hall, a massive mall, and a Gym made of rainbows. Erika as a stoner lesbian with no fucks to give is the funniest headcanon I’ve had while playing these games, and I feel like there’s more evidence for than against.

-cue all the hidden Pokemon lore that says I am wrong-

-that I assume exists but refuse to look up-

I have fifty coins from talking to people and looking on the floor.

Five minutes later, I have fifty-two.

I miss Voltorb Flip.

...I’m switching machines. That always works, right?

Yaaaay.

4000 coins buys Thunderbolt. Shadow Ball is 4500. I had wanted that for Po. Seemed like a useful thing.

Sigh. Okay, let’s see the damage.

That’s.

Shit.

DON’T GAMBLE, KIDS.

Now we go back to Viridian and make our way to the Pokemon League.

With the unstoppable power of an Electrode who knows Thunderbolt.

Do you see this going well? Because I don’t.

Hey, the gate area is a new route. And it has grass.

But Serebii says I’ve caught everything I can here. Saddening.

Okay then. Now we get to the fun part. I think Sprinkle goes in front. Actually, no. Allenby goes in front. Sprinkle’s slow enough that running from wild pokemon will probably be an issue.

First Victory Road encounter! Something I can catch! It’s a Machop! Her name can be Mura.

Help, though. I don’t remember what this thing is or if it matters.

Oh! I think I know. It’s time for rock puzzles.

I Max Repelled a level 46 Onix into existence. This feels like a really helpful trick for this run. Noted for the future.

First fight of Victory Road! Cooltrainer Naomi! She opens with a level 42 Persian. Ponyta next. Sprinkle food. Rapidash. Similar. Vulpix. This is a good Sprinkle trainer. Ninetales. Fight won, exp for Sprinkle gained.

Oh, first/third gen.

Cooltrainer Rolando is up next. He has a level 42 Raticate. Oooh, a Charizard. Zaft or Sprinkle, Zaft or Sprinkle... Zaft. Sprinkle’s going to have a lot of things to eat. Zaft is more specialized. Sprinkle can have the Charmeleon, though. Ivysaur goes to Heero. Wartortle brings us back to Zaft. Win get.

Up a ladder, Black Belt Daisuke is waiting. He has a level 43 Machoke. Machop. Another Machoke, which Heero has to take for safety reasons. Won, and on we go.

Juggler Gregory only has one pokemon. It is a level 48 Mr. Mime. Po, could you just. Yeah, that.

I’m running around picking up all the items I can. I’m picking up TMs that I’ll probably never use, and TMs like Dragon Claw. That one, I can’t see not teaching something.

But something that keeps--I won’t say it’s distracting me, because I’ve spent this whole run very distracted by multitasking this with other stuff--occupying my thoughts is how much more of a climb this Victory Road feels.

Maybe it’s because this is the Victory Road of my childhood, and some impressions are glued in, but it’s all way more intimidating. It feels like an unknown, even though if you’ve played any of these games all the way through you know what’s coming.

I think even if part of it is just me being overly nostalgic, the way the technology’s evolved has something to do with it. This is a 2D experience, and with the sizing, everything feels way more open. One screencap shows you a lot more of the area than one would from later gens.

Only because it does that, the mazes and caves and such are designed with way more open space. When things are bigger, the paths can be more direct while taking the same amount of time to figure out. You see so much more in the early games, so it has to be less helpful. The result is that the world feels much larger and more uncertain. The world is a big place. It doesn’t feel designed for a person. It feels like you’ve been dropped into it.

It’s a nice feeling, and as much as I adore later gens, I don’t think any of them click with that on the same level.

Level 44 Persian opening things up. Allenby up front has been a good decision. Golduck next, so Zaft gets something to do. And that’s that.

Juggler Nelson. What’ve you got. A level 41 Drowzee. Po. Hypno. Kadabra, and I think I’ll send in Sprinkle for that. Same with the second one. Game over, Nelson.

Something I think would be cool is if trainers disappeared after you beat them. It would be a pain for people who use things like Vs. Seeker, but it would be a neat effect. We get magic teleportation powers when we lose, let the NPCs have a shot.

Cooltrainer George is guarding an item. He opens with an Exeggutor, so Heero swoops in to save Allenby. ... Heero suffers paralysis and a critical hit for her trouble, and frankly, ow. Electrode is next, so Po’s in. Sandslash means Sprinkle. Cloyster goes to Zaft. Arcanine, and we’re back to Sprinkle.

George was guarding a Max Revive. Ha.

This place is too big. If I have to bring the only boulder I’ve seen on this floor all the way over here, I riot.

Pokemaniac Dawson is our next opponent. He has a level 40 Charmeleon. As a side, Rock Slide hits enough when Allenby uses it to make me very wary of the future. My accuracy with that usually sucks. Lapras is next, so let’s give Zaft a crack. Zaft doesn’t quite one-shot it, but it uses Rain Dance, so all is forgiven. Lickitung brings Allenby back out. And we win. Yay.

Cooltrainer Alexa is up. I will try not to make jokes about your name. First out, a level 42 Clefairy. Tear it up, Allenby. Dewgong goes to Zaft. Jigglypuff brings Allenby back out. Persian. Chansey.

Sheesh. I think after this I need to go back to the Pokemon Center (walking, nothing in my party knows Fly) just so I get everything’s PP up. You do not waste PP items pre-Elite Four.

The boulder I said I’d riot over is a thing. I choose to peacefully restrain myself.

Ugh. And I can’t quite make myself go back to the Pokemon Center. Allenby might have to stop being in front, but that’s not too big a deal, and she doesn’t have to switch off yet.

Rude.

Cool Trainer Caroline. She starts with a level 42 Bellsprout, which makes me think Heero’s going to get a status debuff when she swaps in. But plot twist, Stun Spore misses. Good. Weepinbell. Victreebell. Parasect. Gotta say, the theme is really helping me here. Paras.

Good, you weren’t nice to me.

Cooltrainer Colby has slightly better manners. As well as a Kingler. Uh. Allenby deals with it because the things I can swap in make me anxious against a Kingler. For reasons of who knows why. Poliwhirl brings out Zaft. Zaft finally gets rid of Sonicboom because Swift can’t miss. Never mind that both things are useless for an Electrode.

Tentacruel comes out next, and you know what, that’s great for an Electrode. So is a Seadra. Blastoise.

Zaft is so overspecialized in Speed it makes me sad. I’m sorry, Zaft. I thought you learned Electro Ball. I thought it existed in this generation.

Back to boulder puzzles. Dropping rocks down holes.

It isn’t really a puzzle. It’s busywork. But it’s trying its best or something.

Oh. This might be not fun.

Allenby and Heero, you’re my dream team. Cool Couple Ray & Tyra with their level 45 Nidoqueen and Nidoking can’t possibly--okay you know what, Po and Sprinkle are coming out for this, sorry guys. The Leftovers duo has this.

...Don’t let Sprinkle’s paralysis confuse the issue.

...The important thing is that they won, let’s not talk about it further.

...Or how I wasted recovery items thinking the guy in front of the exit was another trainer.

WE MADE IT.

I have 41904 money stuff. Let’s see how many Full Restores that buys.

Thirteen.

But what if... I sold all my Revives and Rare Candy and Nuggets.

...Oh. I already sold the Nuggets.

Hey! Seven more Full Restores! I win!

And.

I guess that’s it, isn’t it? We’re out of things to do. Uh. But TMs. Po learns Earthquake at the expense of Snore. Heero trades Wing Attack for Aerial Ace because I’m shy of Fly and Aerial Ace doesn’t miss.

There are some other things I want to play with (Toxic, Dragon Claw, maybe Return), but those are for if we live through the first few fights. For now, we’re done. We’ve spent all the money we can.

Our team.

(Tarle, please do no ask why you’re there, you do not want to know, and more importantly, I do not want to tell you.)

Held items aren’t as common in this gen, so Po and Sprinkle have Leftovers, Zaft has a Sitrus Berry, and Heero and Allenby are given Orans. That division is because I think Heero and Allenby are more likely to meet up things that are close to being survivable with a nudge. Zaft is.

Zaft, try to live. I’ll understand if you can’t, but try.

-deep breath-

LET’S DO THIS.

The terror mounts.

As the music does.

(Lorelei, no spellchecker thinks your name is spelled weird, but I kind of do.)

A level 52 Dewgong is out first. In the interest of gulping and accepting the OHKO future I foresaw is probably not happening, Zaft is going to use Light Screen as a first move. The Dewgong uses Ice Beam, but Zaft is in the green. Zaft’s Thunderbolt does a perfect orange that should keep the Dewgong from being healed. It uses Safeguard. Zaft throws out another Thunderbolt, and...?

Lorelei’s out one Dewgong. Cloyster’s next, and Zaft stays in. Cloyster is level 51. Zaft downs it in one hit!

A level 52 Slowbro is next. It uses Amnesia after Zaft’s Thunderbolt takes out about 3/4 of health. And Light Screen wears off. Zaft uses Thunderbolt again because a super tanky Slowbro is not the ideal I want in my life, and Zaft manages the kill.

Lapras is up next. It’s level 54. Zaft needs to use Light Screen again in case Zaft is not enough for this, so we don’t have to immediately see evidence of the Lapras’ unbreachable bulk. It uses Surf.

Oh.

My heart places.

Allenby goes out. Uses Brick Break. It takes out half the Lapras’ health, and Lapras uses Confuse Ray. Allenby uses Cross Chop (through the confusion, good girl) because Lapras had a Sitrus Berry.

The Lapras falls, and a Jynx is next.

Heero.

Heero uses Flamethrower, Jynx is in the red and her Lovely Kiss misses. Lorelei heals it up, Heero uses Flamethrower again, Light screen wears off, and next turn. Heero uses Flamethrower again.

Hm.

Hm.

Sorry, Zaft.

Zaft’s Sitrus Berry goes to Allenby. And uh. Uh. We continue on.

Allenby, let’s make some noise.

Bruno sends out a level 51 Onix. Brick Break takes it to orange, and it uses Rock Tomb. It takes 10hp off Allenby, and her Speed falls. Another Brick Break, and Onix is down. The next Onix is level 54. For the heck of it, I see what Seismic Toss does.

Ah. But this Onix is faster, and uses Earthquake. Allenby at 81hp, still green. Onix uses Earthquake again, Allenby’s at 27hp, Allenby tries for Cross Chop and it misses, and she eats her Sitrus Berry.

Playing the odds, I set Allenby for another Cross Chop. The next Earthquake takes her down to 8hp, but this Cross Chop hits.

Hitmonchan is next, and Heero has to fight it.

This is where Fly would come in handy. I forgot the level differential. Oh well.

Heero uses Aerial Ace. Heero gets a critical hit, and Heero, I swear I could kiss you, you beautiful Charizard.

Machamp is next. All of my stress. I’m pretty damn sure it knows a Rock move, but the only thing in my party who wouldn’t have a problem with that is Allenby. With 8hp. We are not yet at the stage of using Tarle, so Heero stays in.

Level 56 Machamp. Level 49 Charizard.

Heero’s still faster, so Aerial Ace goes first.

Oh dear.

OH DEAR.

Po. Po. Po. I don’t think it can kill you in one hit.

Its Rock Tomb misses, so it probably has Vital Spirit, so I don’t want to waste a Yawn. Po, we’re using you to heal folks up. Hyper Potion used on Allenby. Machamp uses Cross Chop, but misses. Hyper Potion used on Heero. Next Cross Chop hits.

Okay, so I no longer have Po. New (probably bad) plan.

Sprinkle comes out.

Machamp uses Bulk Up, which feels unnecessary. Sprinkle uses Perish Song.

I’m about to lose, aren’t I?

Allenby goes out. Uses Seismic Toss.

Look, I genuinely wish I could feel bad about this, but it’s hard to when I think about what’s waiting for me after this comes to a close.

Heero’s last.

...Not actually, but basically.

Machamp is swapped out for Hitmonlee because Perish Song. Heero’s Aerial Ace takes it to orange. Then the Machamp is back. Aerial Ace puts it in red, and then Rock Tomb puts Heero dead.

Somehow, this feels more cruel than what Tarle was initially here for.

lol at Bruno using a Full Restore.

WHEN THINGS ARE EXCESSIVE.

Yeah.

Just say they’re dead.

Because they’re dead.

As dead as this run.

So, what did we learn?

Did we learn that Fly is a good thing to have? Did we learn that being overly paranoid about accuracy stats to the point that you limit your pokemon’s choices is a bad trait? Did we? Did we????/???

Did we learn anything?

Yes, actually.

We learned that me obsessively marking down every single fight in this game had good consequences for future me after all.

We also learned that Electro Ball does not exist in this gen.

We also learned that I have sincere difficulty getting choked up over things dying when it’s very obvious how it’s all about to go down.

We also learned that when using a Gundam theme for nicknames, it’s really frustrating to have a primarily female team.

So, uh.

MY TEAM AS WE GET READY FOR ROUND TWO.

Okay, no, no, that’s not how we’re doing this. It’s actually much, much worse. So much worse.

Before we get to that, a few words to commemorate the fallen.

.

.

.

You were all amazing, and in any regular run, I’d be proud to have any of you as an ace of the team. You brought us all the way to the Elite Four, and you shone while doing it. I am so proud. Zaft, you nearly took out an entire Elite Four member all by yourself. You did so good, even though I horrifically hampered your stats by focusing all your EVs on Speed for a move you could never have.

Po. Sprinkle. You’re the wonder children. I didn’t think I’d ever have the chance to have you.

Tarle.

I’m sorry for bringing you into the Elite Four with the intent of killing you off so that something else could get healing maybe. I feel slightly bad about it. Thank you for teaching me the wonderful HMs Krabby can learn.

Allenby. Heero.

You were the best.

And now...

Goodbye.

ROUND TWO, FUCKERS. LET’S GO.

This text is so slow, take me back.

In honor of the teammate who was left behind.

I get so tired of using “rival” instead of a name just so I’m sure it’s obvious who I’m talking about. I’m cutting that part out this time. Gary is Gary is Gary.

This time, my ID number says..... .

-war flashbacks-

Bulbapedia says 4-6 is Fire. Yoooo.

O-okay.

WOULD YOU THINK ABOUT HOW HARD ON QUATRE THIS IS FOR FIVE SECONDS.

Domon.

Welcome.

You beat up Gary’s Squirtle, so you get to stay.

Hardy is a good thing to be.

Yosh. Time to speed through the fetch quest, get poke balls, and find out if Domon is going to take on Brock all on his lonesome. Gooooood times.

I need to come up with a new naming theme for this run, possibly. That’s one of the problems with doing this. I will eventually run out of nicknames. Nicknames are not anything near a specialty of mine.

Poke Ball get. What could our first second pokemon be this time????

I can’t remember if this happened last time. I’m too lazy to search my blog and check. This one’s name is Neal.

Route 1: Neal (Rattata)

(The above is to try to make remembering what I caught where easier. Will it work? Unlikely)

Oh, before anything else, I’m going to buy Antidotes. I’ve learned from my first time trying this.

Now we face one of our worst challenges. Will Domon be making his way to Brock alone, or will he have help?

Level 2.

Hm.

Route 22: Trowa (Mankey)

Hm.

I vote I find out how bad this can be with just Domon at the helm. Do you know why?

Because I am stubborn and refuse to use the same team each time. There will be some similarities I’m sure, but Trowa’s level 2. no. give me something I can work with, then we’ll talk.

Route 2 doesn’t want me to be happy.

Route 2: Cashew (Caterpie)

Viridian Forest: Lima (Weedle)

Lima got a critical hit and poisoned Domon. Like a jerk. So off we walk to the Pokemon Center, after using an Antidote so we don’t die on the way. Classic pre-Brock.

Domon doesn’t even have Ember yet. This is going to be maybe not much fun. But I think finding out just where Charmander ends up with this kind of start with these rules could help in the future. Or lead to restarting sooner.

Oh good, Ember at 7. Yay.

I’m not going to be going nearly as indepth with what I’m doing this time around. If you’ve made it this far, you’ve read it before. I’ll note when something interesting happens, but we’re trying to make this fast. Elite Four is where the run falls apart. Everything else was pretty okay. The quicker we get back to the tension, the better.

The end of Viridian Forest reached, all trainers down. Domon is level 12.

Now we walk all the way back through the forest to go beat up (?) our rival.

So much walking. I long for my Running Shoes.

This. Might be over faster than I want.

Domon eats the Pidgey and hits level 13. And learns Metal Claw! There’s hope, folks! !!! The Squirtle isn’t using a Water move! More hope!!!!!!!!!

Victory!

Domon versus Brock, who will be the champion?!?!?!

Only I have to beat the light-year kid first.

Domon does! Good boy!

...This makes me miss Heero.

Domon is also now level 14 heading into Brock.

Let’s do this.

Level 12 Geodude? Deceased.

Level 14 Onix? Um.

-whispers-  my son

I’m gonna go ahead and be a terrible person here. Trowa, buddy. Go in while we heal Domon.

Trowa dies. Oh well.

Cashew!

Cashew dies.

But Domon got healing.

So now we wait and hope that Ember burns, right? Right.

It does not.

Welp, Domon’s dead.

Neal follows his lead.

...

There’s no way, right?

.

.

Yep, Lima’s dead, too.

Quatre, stop defending corpses.

Okay, what did we learn this round?

We learned that unless I get lucky on the burn, I probably do not want my Charmander to be all alone against Brock.

Learning is magic.

But I feel like we’ve done enough learning for now, so we’re going to stop here, and the next part will, once again, begin with a new team! Are we excited????

No.

No, we are not. This was a terrible idea.

In conclusion, ban Rock Tomb.

[professor-amaryllis]

Are the Pokémon there very different? I'm wondering how my Bellossom and Phantump (and possible future Bellsprout) would look if they were from those islands, heh.

@suddenlyauntiemaya

Ah, yes actually, pokemon here, and especially on Valencia island in particular, tend to be quite different than their mainland counterparts. Valencia island is a (partially) artificial ecosystem, most non-flying pokemon have been brought onto the island to study environmental adaption. It's one of the longest running studies on regional and environmental adaptions and has gotten quite a bit of very interesting data over the years.

While Valencia is a no capture zone due to this I did live here for a few years while I was in school myself, and three of my pokemon originated here! They couldn't be released to the wild for various reasons and so when I left they were left in my care. Let me grab some comparison photos here...

Bruno on the left here is my Valencian Nidorino. As you can see their bright color is the first difference you'll notice, and secondly they're quite a bit smaller and chubbier than their kantonian counterparts, with longer and more flexible quills. Because of this they are not quite as fast, but are considerably more venomous, preferring to let their poison do much of the work both in predation and in battle. I actually have to carry a potent antivenom whenever I have him with me, just in case.

And here on the left is Sitrus, my Valencian bellsprout. As you can see she's a bit darker, and her stem is much woodier and less flexible as her mainland counterpart. This is because these pokemon have adapted to be arboreal and much less active on the whole. Their strong stem and air roots are well suited for gripping the bark and branches of the trees around them as they wait patiently for their prey to wander by.

there are many more examples of this adaption, bu these are the two I have most at hand, perhaps when I get home I can take a photo of Val and the rest of the oddish to show her own adaption- though admittedly it is much more apparent in her evolutions than it is in oddish themselves.

[professor-amaryllis]

:{ A Video file is embedded. Goldenrod Ecological Society, Johto. 4/13/24 2:37 pm. }:

"You'd better be decent, I'm coming in!~"

The voice of Casimir rings through just seconds before the door to the office opens, The fellow professor kicking it open carefully with a foot while holding a glass something behind his back, not concealing it all that well due to it being a bit wider than his torso.

"Are you ready for this? I have- what the hell happened in here? it looks like a storm blew through. And the blanket, did you sleep here?"

Bellamy is looking at least slightly less disheveled, now fully clothed and paused in the process of pulling a brush through their unruly hair. Rather than answer the question Amy instead points at the sort-of hidden object that Casi carries, eyebrow raised.

"Why did you bring a punch bowl into my office? And are you wearing lipstick?"

This seems to do the job of distracting Casi, at least momentarily as her expression splits into a grin as she turns to face Amy across the desk.

"It's not a punch bowl! It's a deal! An offer you cant refuse! Because I'm your boygirlfriend and I would be sad if you turned me down."

With a bit of a flourish (and a little effort, this thing seems to be much heavier that he was letting on) Casi sets down a strange glass bowl on the table, the handle on the top showing its for travel of some kind. Inside is the angriest looking Qwilfish anyone has ever seen, and that's saying something. Her unusual reversed eye markings matching Casi's eye makeup exactly right down to the twin birthmarks under her eyes, something she seems extremely pleased with herself about.

"Tada! See, I got you the Qwilfish you asked for! I picked this one out special, doesn't she look just like me? I figured you'd think of me everyyy time you see her!"

The revelation seems to actually take Amy aback and they let out a laugh, at least as much in surprise as in humor. It takes a moment for them to get their thoughts in a straight line, a few johtonian syllables here and there as they take stock of the situation.

"Casi, I was joking- I didn't expect you to actually catch me a Qwilfish. And it's color, that isn't one of the ones from your program is it? The endangered ones.... Fire ice and thunder it really does look a little like you though..." Their voice trails off a bit as they lean over to inspect the new pokemon, which spins in a circle squeaking as its spikes trail up against the glass. Despite everything its hard not to see the excitement in their expression at seeing such an unusual poison type, their fingers too trailing against the glass.

"Technically she's from a breeding program we do with Blueberry Academy. I think if they're letting teenagers study and handle these guys then you'll do fine!" She laughs, clearly giddy at finally getting to present her gift to her lover.

"Buuuut I didn't do this purely out of the goodness of my heart." To punctuate this Casi taps his fingers against the desk a couple times in a mock drum roll. "I want your Meowth."

It takes a couple seconds for Amy to respond, still looking at the novel fish before blinking a couple of times up at Casi. "..... wait, really?"

"Is that really so surprising? Arlene and I have really bonded! There's a trade machine in the lobby and everything! Please, love?" She looks up at them, obviously putting on a show of pleading.

"No I- I mean yes, I-" Amy straightens up and laughs, deep and genuine, muttering something to herself in johtonian before continuing. "Tenshi, Daarin, I was going to try to convince you to take her home with you. I mean-" they gesture at the cat, perched on the back of the couch and looking proud of herself, "I even managed to get a bow on the frostdamned thing. I thought i was going to have to sell you on this."

Now it's his turn to look dumbfounded before letting out another laugh, sputtering in surprise. "Wh- I thought you just wanted to get her all dressed up!"

The shorter professor looks ready to jump over the desk to hug Amy, but with the large glass container in front of him he seems to think better of it.

Instead he opts to take their hands into his own. First their hands are clasped in excitement, before he seems to take notice of all the little scratches and begins to smooth over them. "We really had the same idea then huh? You endured Arlene's wrath just for me.."

Amy's voice softens as they chuckle, letting out a of a breath and seeming to calm under their partner's touch. For the first time in a while we see some of the tension in them dissipate, a weight lifted. "I would endure so much more for you my Tenshi. Anything you asked."

Casi presses a kiss to their scratched knuckles. "I know you would dear... But you don't have to endure everything. Sometimes I wanna do nice things for you too."

With a few more little kisses his gaze meets Amy's. Despite the professor's best attempt at hiding it, he could tell she wasn't getting much sleep lately. Was the stress of their trip the problem or was there something else? He gives a soft smile to try and keep the mood light.

"So let's use your lobby's fancy trade machine and maybe we can relax a bit before our flight.."

Amy's eyes crinkle with their smile, extenuating their crows feet. There's a softness in their voice when they continue, bringing one lipstick stained hand up to brush back his hair. "That sounds perfect. I've missed that.. I love you."

:{ Transcription Ends }:

[frostbite-yinny]

This is one of the most coziest places I have ever seen XD

Realized i never put up this photo!! Found it in my camera roll now and thought i would share, my pokemon love to nap in my home office with me, so i made sure there were space for all of them!

I've acquired a few more pokemon since this picture, looks like I'm going to have to add a few more spots for them : )