#wait does this make me a member of the pokedex

[rosetta-j-stone]

Happy Pokedex Friday everyone I guess?

[shatteredvioletnuzlocke]

Chapter 16: Trailblazing (Patch)

Patch had never woken up more refreshed in days. It was as if Tamarind’s snoring had turned into a white noise. Wiping the hair from their face, morning sky was a glowing tangerine hue amidst the rising Paldean sun. The Canyon was less moist than it was in the Cortondo fields, and it felt good to wake up in a dry sleeping bag.

“Goooood-morning!” Patch yawned, stretching their arms out.

To their surprise a new Pokemon was found asleep in their campsite all curled up. A pecha berry pink sheep with stormy, black wool. 

With a quick pokedex scan they where given a Dex entry: Flaaffy, the Wool Pokemon; an electric type and the evolved form of Mareep. Because of its rubbery, electric-resistant skin, it can store a lot of electricity in it’s fur. 

“Flumpfy?” Patch asked to see if it was their Mareep. 

The sheep's eyes opened but they weren’t gold like Flumpfy’s. This one had ocean blue eyes with gold sclera, fondly looking at the human. Yeah it’s definitely Flumpfy.

Patch wondered, “Flumpfy how did you evolve?” They replied to themselves in an exaggerated, sheep-like voice, “Because I love you, Patch!”

They could barely believe it, they had two evolved Pokemon in their team! What would Nemona say? What would their mother think? Two evolved Pokemon on my first week! I hope this is an omen for two gym badges!

“Hey guys! Flumpfy evolved!” Patch announced, badgering their team awake.

Kombucha was less than pleased about being woken up and grunted as his trainer. Arturo was already awake playing with his ball. Tamarind and Venture remained asleep. Yet there was a lack of a certain big purple dragon.

“Kapheria?” Patch called out for her, “Kapheria! Where are you?”

Normally Kapheria would come bounding toward the trainer, but this time she didn’t show. 

Patch looked towards the sky. I might’ve just slept in past breakfast… No wait it’s still early… I’ll make her something anyway, she’s bound to come out!

They resorted to their food supply, which was half emptied out!

“What the-” They glanced back at their team, “Alright! Who had a late night snack?!”

Flumpfy turned away rather bashfully. Gotcha!

“Flumpfy?! What’s the big idea?!” Patch demanded, “And how is some of the meat gone? You don’t even eat it!” Does he? It’s hard to tell when Pokemon evolve…

“Flaaa…” The Flaafy bleated, looking rather ashamed.

“So you did take some?”

“Fla…” 

“So it was just you?”

He shook his head.

Kapheria could have been in on it as well… “Did Kapheria take some food too?” 

This time he nodded slowly, with static emitting from his small wool.

Last night’s dinner was a bit smaller than usual, it wasn’t enough for her. Patch assumed the worst, she could’ve left and got lost looking for more. 

They clenched their fist tight as they look out into the miles of red rock. Somewhere out their a metallic dragon roamed free, and Patch had lost her. It didn’t calm them down knowing that they already had a head injury, they were in more peril than ever. 

Okay what am I going to tell Turo? Hey sorry for losing your rare pokemon because I didn’t feed them enough?! What would he say? What would Arven say? What would Mom say? Well, she wouldn’t care but still!

As Patch recollected their thoughts, they pulled out their Rotophone with some hestiance. If Turo’s going to find out it’s going to be when I ask for help! 

Scrolling through the catalog of friends, family members, and failed relationships, they found the Professor’s contact information: Professor. Turo Morales. 

Texts haven’t been working, might as well just rip off the bandage… Arceus, I hate phone calls! 

They tapped the phone icon and let it ring as they practiced what they had to say. 

Hi Professor, I know you chose me to watch over Kapheria, but I’m not a good match. I think you should let Arven watch her from now on. He knows her better than I do…

Finally, after a couple of rings, a voice came through the speaker, “Hello, you have reached Professor Turo Morales, PhD. If you are hearing this I can’t come to the phone right now. Please leave a detailed message or contact my advisor. Thank you.” His voice sounded significantly more emotive than they had remembered.

What?! Voicemail? What is up with this guy?! 

As soon as they heard a beep Patch recited their plan, “Hi Tur- ur I mean, Professor Morales!” Come on Patch focus. “This is Patch Callune! I understand if you have been busy this past… week. But I have some things to tell you. First thing Kapheria sort of ran off last night… SHE’S AROUND HERE SOMEWHERE, I SWEAR! So don’t worry…”

Arceus! That wasn’t casual! “I’ll call you back as soon as I find her!… Or leave you another voicemail if you’re still busy… Whenever you can talk I was wondering of handing Kapheria over to Arven. To be honest I’m too much of a novice trainer… to be handling such a rare Pokemon… Yeah, call me back!” 

Patch hung up before they could vent their mother issues. So the Professor is still ghosting me… He mentioned an advisor… who would that be? Who does he even work for?! 

Guess I’m on my own. Artazon will just have to wait.

…

After breakfast, the food supply was the smallest it had ever been. Patch gave up their portion to feed their Pokémon and save some for Kapheria. It was the least they could do for falling sort.

Tamarind, Flumpfy, and Venture where especially out of it and needed a potion fix to wake themselves up. As if they had some sort of run in overnight.

Then the whole team was recalled except to Venture. Patch knew a canine Pokemon had the best sense of smell to track down the wayward dragon. 

Once the Rockruff was on the case, the trainer and Pokemon where wandering aimlessly around the canyon. Past cliff sides, through ravines, and over babbling streams. 

Wherever Kapheria her energy was unlimited compared to a human’s social battery.

“Alright… Venture…” Patch panted, “Let’s take it nice and easy…”

The sun rose and began to scorch and burn down upon the poor trainer. Rock formations where beginning to look familiar. They where getting no where.

By the time they had gone past the sentiments of white banded rock for the fifth time, Patch had had it, “Let’s take a quick water break… Venture!” They gasped.

“Ruck, ruff,” His pink tongue was hanging side ways off his jaw.

They poured icy cold water into the cup of their moist palm. Venture lapped out every drop, his tongue slimy. It gave Patch warm memories of their mother’s dogs back in Unova. Hopefully they would get along with a wily Rockruff.

After a good chug and refreshing rinse down for their face, their search continued. 

“Okay so this way isn’t working…” They admitted to their dog, “Let’s try that other path with the fork up head!” 

As much as Patch wanted to sit for a while longer Kapheria’s wellbeing came first. It didn’t matter how much their feet stung with open blisters. As soon as the dragon was found they would need a day’s worth of rest. 

Venture scurried on head, with his boundless speed keeping Patch far behind. They where tempted to test if their potions could give them an energy boost. No ration it for my Pokemon, they reminded themselves, I need to at least have a potion ready if I don’t have enough food. 

Suddenly a large sounding bang threw them back into reality. An instant flash of light blinked out into the distance. 

“Kapheria?”  

They could hear Venture yelp, “RUFF ROWCH RUFF ROOOO!” 

“Venture?!” Patch hurried over with aching feet. Oh gosh she shocked him by mistake!

Running down the path, they smelt a gunpowder-like musk. Smoke circulated through the area, with no sign of Kapheria. Crap is she even here, what was that?

The fumes cleared and the Rockruff was rubbing his paws against his muzzle. Oh god his lungs!

“VENTURE!” Patch cautiously went to his side, “It’s alright I’m here!”

They scanned the area for any Pokemon, but they where more focused on getting Venture to safety. As Venture coughed, Patch rummaged through their bag for his Pokeball.

When all of a sudden, “You again?” Someone said nearby. 

Me? Who’s there? Did a trainer do this? How do they know me? It could be that old Uva Student I met yesterday… But what kind of attack was that. 

A figure stepped out behind a rock mound. He wore a khaki outfit, roughed out by being in the canyon. His long blond hair was tied back, ruffled, and greasy at the front. It wasn’t until Patch looked into eyes that they reconized him.

“Arven?!” They were completely bewildered to find out that such a preppy student had a rugged, out doorsy side.

“That Rockruff is yours?” Arven asked with a stoic expression.

Patch nodded.

“I thought he was wild,” Arven gave somewhat of an apology, “You do realize Rockruff’s can get unreasonably temperamental as they grow up?”

“I know…” They felt wounded by him as usual, “I’ve helped raise a few dog Pokemon in my years so I know what I’m getting into.” 

“Really?” Arven smirked, “I heard you yelling before, you were calling Kapheria’s name? Just what was that about?”

Oh fuck he’s good. “You haven’t seen her have you?”

“Oh Arceus…” He mumbled.

“WAIT! Before you say anything!” Patch prepared him for the truth, “I realize now that I’m way over my head as a trainer and I am ready to hand off my role as her caretaker.” 

Arven furrowed his brow, “Took you long enough.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?!” They demanded, their temper rising like the heat. 

“I don’t what made my father choose you on a whim, but at least you know when to quit,” He said thinking he could read them like an open book. 

Patch fumed like a shrilling tea kettle, “For your information, I was trying you give her to you earlier but you stormed off last we spoke!”

“Hey! I had a reason to be upset, you’re the one throwing a fit right now!” He scorned back, “Since your being so immature, I guess I’ll have to step up and find Kapheria myself.”

Immature?! He’s in for it now! “I’ll find her so I don’t ever have to talk to you ever again!”

“Fine guess, I’ll help you! You don’t know this place as well as you know what you’re doing!” Arven lashed out his spiciest insult.

“Fine.”

“Fine!” 

“Good.”

“GREAT!” Patch huffed. 

“There’s no need to yell!” Arven waved off.

Arven was noticeably calmer since their last interaction. It seemed as if being with nature had loosened his fuse. Even if is temper slipped out, he was more collected. 

They were could to shed another tear because of him. They where too dry and exhausted to owe him any sadness.

He knelt down to Venture and let him lick something out of his hand. 

“Hey, what are you giving him?!” Patch aggressively inquired.   

He smilied, “Calm down, it’s just a Rawst berry. It’ll clear his respiratory circulation. Taking a Scatterbang effects could lead to respiratory problems down the line.”  

Whatever, Bigwords. “You mean Scatterbug?” Patch corrected him, “What kind of Scatterbug knows a smokescreen attack?” 

“No, no. Scatter-bang!” He removed one of the blue pouches from his stupid sash, “It’s something trainers used in Reinsance Era, Sinnoh, to ward off wild Pokemon from attacking them. I find them more effective than spray-on repels.” 

They had never seen such an item before, and they certainly weren’t sold at any Pokemon centers, “Where did you get that?”

“I found a recipe, in The Reinsance Trainer’s Cookbook,” Arven demonstrated his knowledge, “That’s a book by the way.”  

Patch’s anger became reignited, “How daft do you think I am?” 

“I’m not saying you’re not smart, I’m saying some reading can do you good.”

There is again, prep boy pompous! I can’t if I like him better angry or in control. Patch shouted in the confines of their mind, With sass like that it’s no wonder your daddy doesn’t associate with you. 

They tried to shift the conversation away from them, “Isn’t easier to have Pokemon around to protect you?”

“The last thing I want is to force Pokemon to fight,” Arven explained, “That’s why I don’t have any.” 

“What?! Why go to a trainer’s school?!” Patch interrogated.

“You don’t have to raise Pokemon for Uva,” he brushed off, “Not everyone is suited to be a trainer.” 

As much as he was snarky, he did have a point. Growing up, Patch always wondered why some people never chose the life off the trainer while they had to wait an extra ten years. With their idealistic innocence they never thought the life of a trainer could be challenging. 

Maybe he wants to just study Pokemon?

“So do you have any clue where she went off to,” Arven asked.

“Not really,” Patch confessed, “I’ve been letting Venture sniff out her scent.” 

The upperclassmen scrunched his nose, “Your Rockruff is just a puppy, he can’t be that good of a tracker.”

They had just about enough of the five minutes of this bratty student, “If you know where she is I’d love to hear it!” 

Arven kept his grading mouth shut. Venture continued to scour the ground for any lead on Kapheria’s whereabouts.

<- Chapter 15

[ari-nemera]

Hello I have headcanons about Ingo's Hisui team and I'm going to make that everyone else's problem.

Have I thought about this a bit too much? Maybe.

To start- I headcanon that aside from battles, most of his team are generally left out of pokeballs or allowed to roam like Sneasler, and are only confined to pokeballs during travel or battles.

Two of his Pokemon specifically are pretty much sapient, so I don't believe Ingo would contain them like that. (I tend to lean towards the Alakazam line and the Machoke line being intelligent and culturally unique Pokemon.) ANYWAY. Let's get down to it:

Alakazam ♂️

One of the only two team members not naturally found in the highlands. A trade evolution. (Ingo's entire team has special circumstances to their evolutions, needing trainer participation to reach their full potential. This is clearly a nod to Ingo being an incredibly skilled and educated trainer. His knowledge of Pokemon has not been lost with his memory)

Headcanons:

1) A service Pokemon in two ways. Using calm mind on Ingo when his brain fog or nightmares are really bad. Generally just a friendly companion to keep Ingo company. Really helps with his mental health. A friend. 🤗

2) like the rest of his evolution line, he can teleport and bring others along with him. Have you ever wondered how everyone gets around Hisui so quickly? (Seriously 😒) Ingo is still the boss of travel. His Alakazam is a willing travel aid to anyone looking to get around Hisui in less than a three day's walk. This is pretty close to what's already been seen with a certain abra in canon. It feels fitting that Ingo would eagerly offer this service, and that his Alakazam would oblige. Does Ingo say things like 'all aboard'' and 'please remain still until you have reached your destination'. Oh you bet. That Alakazam needs his own little hat.

Tangrowth ♀️

The only other Pokemon not found in the Highlands. Also evolves after learning ancient power, which it must gain via level up via battling. Also one of the Pokemon he's had around for the longest, although not one of the strongest members of his team.

Headcanons:

1) As a lvl. 41 tangela when you first fight her, she would already be capable of ancient power... Meaning Ingo waited to evolve her until after your first battle. (Rising to a challenge eh?)

2) The Hisuian tangela Pokedex entry mentions it's vines are used as a herb, and Ingo making use of this would not surprise me. Especially If it's medicinal in some way. Additionally- This entry matches an earlier Pokedex entry in Galar, which is a super fun thing the Pokemon team snuck in there. Our silly professor in Hisui is clearly Galarian. Of course the entries would be similar. Laventon might even be the one to gift the tangela to Ingo. (They're both from English speaking regions in a non-English speaking ancient Sinnoh. They both see Pokemon as partners and not monsters. The chance to find comraderie in that is high)

Probopass ♀️

The start of the Highlands gang. Probopass is honestly a given. You've got a forgetful dude with amnesia who frets about becoming decoupled or losing his way. Having a living compass would be a godsend. Fits well with Ingo's theme. A silly Pokemon for a sad silly man. Don't even really have to headcanon anything here hahaha.

Machamp ♂️

Also a Machoke when first battled- a common sight in the Highlands. Also a higher level than his previous Pokemon, insinuating far more battle use. Another trade evo. (Ingo who are you sharing your Pokemon with? your brother's not here.)

Headcanons:

1) Befriended early on as another assistive Pokemon. He's probably helped Ingo out with physical stuff on multiple occasions. (Not like that wtf) If Ingo does have a hut in the Highlands, that Machoke probably helped build it.

2) Now a Machamp, most likely also evolves after he lost to you. Ingo hasn't had a good battle in years. Suddenly having a fully evolved team is worth it! I like to think Machamp likes having more arms for bone-crushing hugs. Someone's gotta care for this sad blorbo. 😟 he never cares for himself.

Magnezone

Like Probopass, another given. Also like Machamp, this dude is one level higher than the rest. It's an electric robot from the future. Sad future man comes across sad future robot. Bonding over tragic circumstances ensue.

Headcanons:

1) They are both nostalgic for each other and what they represent. They're also both awkwardly emotionless at first glance but generally friendly. A match made in caveman heaven. (This is apparently a joke reference that only people who live in Oklahoma get sorry) This is one of Ingo's favs bcus it's also steel/electric. There is a deep familiarity in working with electric type Pokemon. If only he could remember why....

2) That random Magnezone u see flying around the Highlands is his actually. No I won't take constructive criticism. He lets it do what it wants. Oh you caught it? Different Magnezone.

Gliscor ♂️

Definitely his Hisui "starter" as a Gligar. This dude is two levels higher than the rest of his team. Evolves while holding razor fang at night. Already fully evolved when you fight it. His Ace. 💖

Headcanons:

1) Probably the reason his coat looks like shit. Taming this bad boy as a gligar is when Iridia went "holy shit ok. Do you uh. Want a job? We've got this other huge-clawed venomous purple Pokemon out back-"

2) Like Ingo, He loves to battle. Almost a little vicious. Also a ground type, something Ingo primarily worked with in his past. So like the Magnezone, battling alongside his Gliscor comes naturally. Eerily familiar even. (side note- What is it about Ingo's Ace Pokemon being like- things that are usually really deadly to other people and Pokemon. First a soul-eating lantern and now a literal vampire. Wtf.)

3) This poke is also 6'7" and definitely works as a gliding Pokemon for Ingo. Can't do powered flight, but can make going down the Highlands a breeze when his Alakazam isn't around.

Okay that's it that's the post thank you all for coming everyone go home.

[rirismommyspace]

I’m not too tired rn so BW infodumping time >:3

Also, BW has some dark elements in its story, so I’ll include trigger warnings in all my summaries! I don’t want to make anyone here uncomfy <3

(TW: Animal (Pokemon) Cruelty)

So, the protagonist of the story can be either Hilbert or Hilda depending on who you select! But Hilda’s the protagonist in my AU, so we’ll be using her for this summary.

The story begins in Hilda’s house. She’s with her childhood friend Cheren, and they’re both waiting for their other friend Bianca to come over. And when she does arrive, they all choose their starter Pokemon from a box they received from Professor Juniper!

Bianca then proposes to have a Pokemon battle - so Hilda battles against her friends for the first time! (Which makes her bedroom suuper messy, since battles shouldn’t be indoors unless it’s a Gym).

After their battles, the three apologize to Hilda’s mom for the mess and then head over to Professor Juniper’s lab. There, they all get their Pokedexes (a Pokemon encyclopedia, essentially) and officially start their trainer journey!

The first place the friends go to is Accumula Town. Hilda goes inside the Pokemon Center to heal her Pokemon, but when she comes out there’s a crowd of people! She walks over to investigate, alongside Cheren.

It turns out that Team Plasma is holding a speech, and several people in the city gathered around to listen. All of the audience is surprised by the idea of liberating Pokemon from trainers. Some think that the idea is nonsense, but others contemplate releasing their Pokemon.

Hilda and Cheren then meet N after the speech is over! He tells them that he can hear the voices of Pokemon, and also that he agrees with Plasma’s ideology. (Hilda and Cheren don’t know that he’s a member of Plasma yet). He then battles Hilda so that he can hear her Pokemon.

A while later, Hilda has another encounter with Plasma — but this time with Bianca. The two are exploring the Dreamyard when they find a Plasma grunt kicking a Munna. Munna is a Pokemon that releases dream mist, and Plasma wanted to harvest that mist so they could indoctrinate people in their sleep.

Bianca stands up to the grunt and tells them that not only are they doing something wrong, but that they are going against their ideology by hurting a Pokemon. The grunt ignores her and challenges Hilda to a battle.

After the grunt loses, they kick Munna again — but then Ghetsis appears. His sudden appearance frightens the grunt, so they run away. Once the grunt is gone, a Musharna appears right where Ghetsis was standing. So the Ghetsis everyone saw was actually an illusion that Musharna used to protect her baby! <3

There’s a lot more story to talk about, but I’m gonna stop here for now!! I’ll try to tell you a bit each day!

˚₊✩‧₊ oh that's so interesting!! Thank you sweetheart!!! And once again, Bunny, I must say that you're amazing at storytelling! (Also, while I do love hearing about this since it's something you like, please don't feel pressured to tell me about it, Darling!!)

[stillchaoticlogic]

Stumbling: Chapter 4

Pairing: Raihan X Reader X Leon

Your life hadn’t gone exactly as you planned…

Which is why when an old rival walks into the coffee shop you work at he gives you an offer you just can’t refuse. Finally, a chance at the League. Suddenly you are thrust into the spot light and a world you thought you had left behind. Dreams aren’t always what they are cracked up to be though, especially when you find yourself the tangled up with the champion and a certain gym leader.

Has all your dreams come true?

Or is this your worst nightmare?

Read the First Chapter Here!

Read the Second Chapter Here!

Read the Third Chapter Here!

**Masterlist Coming Soon!**

The Journey Begins!

The next morning you end up running around Motostoke attempting to get everything you need. The last of your savings is spent on a Flash phone and luckily your able to get the Pokedex on there along with a map of the region and all your trainer and Pokemon information. You then head to the center and stock up on medical equipment and pokeballs before going to the department store and getting a set of camping gear. 

“How?” you ask as you gaze down at your pack which is already bursting at the seams. 

“That’s a little full…” you yelp not expecting anyone to be standing behind you. 

You whip around and are met with sight of Sonia and Nessa. 

“Oh hey!” you exclaim as you smile at the duo. 

“Getting ready to head out?” asks Nessa with a small smile. 

“Yeah… I had to stock up on some things before I left but this seems excessive…”

“I’ll help you sort through your pack! But first, how do you feel about lunch to catch up?”

“That would be great but….”

“It’s on me! That equipment is expensive!”

“No! Sonia I can’t let you do that!” 

“It’s okay! I want to catch up! You can just get mine next time OR after you take Leon for all he’s worth. That prize money is nothing to shake a stick at!”

“Alright deal…”

“Well if she wasn’t… I was… I heard you took care of some asshole pokemon abuser yesterday and that deserves a free lunch at the least!” says Nessa. 

“Oh! Yeah… I guess the guys told you about that?”

“Nope! You’re all over the news and social media. Everyone is talking about the gym challenger who saved a Jangmo-o!”

“What? Really? Why?”

They laugh before each wrapping an arm through one of yours.

 “Because your badass babe!” exclaims Nessa.

“Yeah! All the leaders and media outlets now have their eyes on you! You’re going to dominate this competition!” Sonia interjects. 

Despite not having seen Sonia in years, time just simply got away from the two of you, and having never met Nessa before, the three of you sit down like old friends at the local cafe. 

“So you’re going to have to tell me what happened…” Sonia starts after you all get your food. 

“With what?”

“All of this! You just disappeared! And now out of the blue Leon is endorsing you in the League! What happened?!”

“Well… I couldn’t find a sponsor…”

“That makes no sense… you were one of the best!”

“That’s what Leon said… no one was looking for what I had to offer I guess. I also got some bullshit reasoning too. I wasn’t pretty, cute, sweet or sexy enough. I was too smart… I didn’t have the right look… You name it, they said it… I tried for several years, the last one when I was eighteen… At that point I had someone tell me I was too old…”

“Seriously?” huffs out Nessa in anger. 

“Yep...So I moved to a small town that I could afford rent in and got a job at a cafe. That’s where Leon found me. He got lost and ended up at the cafe to get out of a storm. A week later I had a letter of endorsement.”

“I’m glad you’re finally getting your chance.”

“Thanks… I just hope he didn’t put his faith in me for no reason.”

“Oh stop that! You’re amazing. You’ve always been amazing. You’re going to kill this competition,” Sonia exclaims as she looks you in the eyes. 

“Thanks Sonia…”

“Of course! Besides at least you have a direction… I feel like a magikarp out of water sometimes…”

“Aren’t you working with your grandma?”

“Yeah… but I’m not sure if it’s what I want…”

“Why is that?”

“It’s overwhelming sometimes… plus that’s a pretty big pair of shoes to fill…”

“Ehh… you’re doing great! You’re just too hard on yourself,” argues Nessa. 

“She does great work, she just gets stressed out sometimes, mostly for no reason…”

“Oh hush!” Sonia exclaims in embarrassment at her friends praise. 

The three of you end up chatting for the next hour before you all say your goodbyes. 

“I can’t wait to see you at my gym! Go crush Milo for me girl!” Nessa yells as they watch you head down the steps into the Wild Area. 

“Oh don’t worry! He’s mine!” you yell back with a laugh. The lunch having significantly lifted your spirits and they helped you go through your pack, making it much lighter than before. 

“Oh boy…” you mutter as you gaze around the vast area before you. With a sigh you head off into the wild in search of your first new team member.

“Now… If I was a Bounsweet...where would I be hiding?” You gaze around the field before heading into the tall grass. You had never seen so many different types of pokemon in one place. Serenity took over most of the battling and after many run ins with several different types of pokemon that aren’t the one you’re looking for you find a...combee?”

You gaze in abject excitement at the honey bee pokemon with the little red dot. “A female combee…” you mutter as you approach her. She continues to buzz around a flower and you know that after the beating that Serenity has taken today you couldn’t risk sending her out. Gazing down at the only other pokemon you currently have with you, you pull it from your belt. 

“Davine!” you call as she pops out and looks up at you, “I have a favor to ask of you…”

Her Amber eyes are large and full of uncertainty, “Can you help me catch that combee?”

She gazes over at the pokemon idly hovering over a flower before she hesitantly nods. 

“Alright! Can you use headbutt on her?”

Nodding the tiny dragon approaches the combee, who doesn’t look perturbed in the least, in fact she looked more interested than anything. Gliding over she buzzes around Davine’s head and it’s almost amusing when Davine panics and just boops her on the head instead of using headbutt. The combee blinks in surprise before it almost looks as if she laughs before gently booping Davine back. The dragon flinches back but opens her eyes slowly as the bee just buzzes around her laughing as if she wants to play. 

“Whelp…this is my life now…” you say in exasperation as you pull a pokeball out of your pack and throw it at the combee. It shakes a few times before the red dot turns green and you pick it up from the ground. Letting the tiny bee out she blinks up at you in slight confusion before happily buzzing around your head. 

“Yeah… You’re going to be a great addition to the team,” you say with a laugh as the bee lands on your head. 

“We’re going to have to work on your confidence… but good job!” you say as you hand Davine a berry to eat. She gazes up at you in confused awe before hesitantly taking the treat from you. Holding up another berry you hold it while the bee, who has gotten quite comfortable on your head, nibbles on the berry. Calling out Serenity you hand her a berry as well and introduce her to the newest member of  your team. 

“This is...hmm… we’re going to have to figure out a name for you…” you say indicating the tiny bee before you. She just buzzes happily around investigating her new friends. The three seem to have interesting personalities, but you think they will get along. Serenity is pretty calm, if not stubborn, whereas Davine is timid, but you have a feeling that there is so much more to her. Jangmo-o are proud by nature and you can’t wait to bring her confidence in herself back. The newest member of your party, your little combee, is cheerful but very curious. You have a feeling she’s going to get herself into a lot of trouble. 

The sun is setting on the wild area when you find a little alcove of rocks away from the wild pokemon roaming as well shelter from the wind. Glaring down at your tent you heave a sigh and pull out the instructions.

“I should have been trying to figure this out an hour ago… I’m going to lose light!” you grumble as you begin struggling with the tent. 

“Hold this,” you say as you hand Serenity one of the poles for the tent, “I thought they said it was a pop up!” 

“Need some help?” questions a voice from behind you. “Ouch! Hey!”

You let out a scream of surprise as you whip around to face the dragon gym leader now doubled over in pain. Davine looking somewhere between terrified and remorseful after her surprise assault on him. 

You can’t hold it in and start to laugh, “Are you okay?” you ask between fits of laughter.

“Are you really laughing at me after your pokemon just attacked me?!” he exclaims, but the smile on his face says he isn’t mad. 

“You scared her! And me! You deserve what you get!” you exclaim as you walk over to Davine and pick her up. You press her into your chest and gently run your fingers over her head to soothe her. 

“Tell her you're okay, she’s upset that she hurt you,” you say indicating the baby dragon in your arms. 

He just smiles down at her, “You didn’t hurt me, I’ve gotten accidently hit by my friends way too many times for that to even leave a scratch! I know you didn’t mean it.” He takes her gently from your arms and holds her to his chest. He begins to scratch her under her chin and before you know it, she has relaxed against him. 

“Is that a Drager Tamer trick?” you ask as you regard the two. 

“I can’t reveal all my secrets but yeah that’s one of them. Think of dragons like giant cats.”

“Huh… good to know… How did you find me by the way?”

“Nessa said that she saw you off into the wild area, and I decided I wanted to head to the Lake of Outrage to pick up a new partner. Then I decided to see if I could find you...besides I’m not Leon you know? I know how to find my way around.”

You just laugh at his explanation, “So does that mean you know how to set up a tent?”

“So you think you’re going to beat me and you can’t even set up a tent?” he teases. 

“Beating you and setting up a tent are two different life skills, do not mock me!”

He laughs at your explanation before he puts Davine down and walks over to you. 

“Come on, I’m teaching you how to put up a tent, but you cook dinner alright?”

“Demanding aren’t we?”

“Oh come on! If you cook for me, I get to rub it in Leon’s face that you did! Besides I bet you’re amazing,” he says with a wink. 

“Fine… teach me how to set up the tent and I’ll cook you dinner.”

Raihan walks over to the tent, putting a couple of poles in the corresponding pockets and then just pulls. The tent springs up practically on it’s own and you can only sit and stare with an open mouth. 

“That was so easy…”

“Yep…” he says with a shit eating grin. 

You just huff before you grab the pot out of your bag and set it on the makeshift fire pit you’ve already got set up. He just laughs at your annoyance before he calls his team out consisting of Flygon, Goodra and Duraludon. 

“Don’t forget my boys okay?” he says as he walks over to you and bumping into your side as you sort through all your ingredients. Holding up a pack of sausage, “How do you like spicy food?”

“Love it!” he says with a smile.

You just nod as you watch Davine scurry over to you and hide near you, she’s watching the dragon’s carefully. 

“Why don’t you go say ‘hi?’” you ask gazing down at the tiny dragon.

She clinks her scales together nervously as she regards them. 

“Okay, that’s fine… you can when you are ready.”

She ends up staying glued to your side while you work, whereas combee and Serenity walked up to Goodra and they seemed to be fast friends. 

“So how did today go? I see you caught a combee?”

“Yeah, it wasn’t your conventional catch, but I think she’ll make a great addition.”

“So you want a Vespiquen?”

“She’ll be super helpful against Milo since I may or may not be able to find a fire type.”

“Vulpix are pretty common around here…”

“I’ve always wanted a ninetails! They are so majestic!” you say with a laugh. 

“You would look good with one too. I can just see you posing for some magazine, Ninetails looking all haughty!”

You laugh as you think about being in a magazine, “Yeah...we’ll see… I’m trying to find a bounsweet so I can start training her up to take on Nessa.”

“Thought about Kabu yet? He’s tough when you’re first getting started.”

“I’ll figure something out…”

“Yeah you will!”

You raise your brow as you watch Davine walk towards the other pokemon. Goodra notices her first and approaches slowly, obviously happy she wanted to join in. He cooed at her softly and slowly she joins the others. 

“She’ll be okay…” he says noticing the way you watched the interaction. 

You turn and gaze at him, “I know… I just can’t help but worry…” you mutter as you add the chopped ingredients and put the rice on to cook. 

“Dragon’s are resilient, she’s going to bounce back, all she needs is you, princess,” he says as he winks at you. 

 “Are we really back to the princess stuff?” you ask as you try to hide your smile. 

He shrugs, “What’s so wrong with wanting to call you princess? After all, there’s going to come a time when you are.”

“When I’m what?”

“My princess,” he says with a lazy grin. 

You roll your eyes and throw a berry at him, “Chop that up for me will you, Romeo?”

“See you already have a pet name for me too! It’s like we’re meant to be!”

He laughs as you throw another berry at him, “That one tooo!”

“Alright! Alright! So violent! Looks like you like things a little rough… I-”

“Raihan!” you interrupt him and he just bursts out laughing, but helps you chop up the berries anyway. 

“I thought you were going to make me dinner… Here I am helping you…”

“You want to eat tonight or not? Then chop the vegetables!” you ask as you add the sausage into pot and start stirring it. 

“Yes Ma’am! I love it when you take charge,” he growls out. 

You huff, but take the berries that’s he’s chopped and endeavor to hide your blush as you add them to the pot. 

You glance up at him and he’s watching you with a lazy smile, “Hey…” he muttered suddenly. 

“Yes?” you ask softly. 

“You made it through your first day.”

You smile at the thought, “I did…”

“Come on Princess… Let’s eat,” he says as he grabs plates and bowls out of his own pack and helps you divy up the food for the pokemon as well as yourselves. 

“Damn this might be the best curry I’ve ever had!” he exclaims as he takes his first bite. 

“You’re exaggerating it’s not that great!”

“What are you talking about? This is the best!”

You laugh quietly and thank him as you dig in yourself. You have to admit it’s really good and your pokemon seem to be enjoying it as well. You notice that Davine seems to be sticking pretty close to Goodra as the dragon chatters to it happily. 

“So you’re looking for a Bounsweet?”

“Yeah! I spent all day today looking for one, but had no luck…”

“They are usually in the Rolling Fields, check there tomorrow and I’m sure you’ll find one! Maybe even a vulpix!.”

“Thanks Raihan…”

“Yeah no problem...let me know if you need help finding another type-”

“No- I mean… thank you for that as well, but I mean, thank you for being here tonight. I can hardly believe I’m here, but it’s nice to not be alone out here.”

He chuckles, “No problem… do you want me to camp out here with you tonight? I can sleep out here if you don’t feel comfortable sharing the tent.”

“I don’t want to hold you up…”

“It’ll be fun! Like when I was on my journey, except now I get to play the hero if something happens.”

You shake your head and laugh at him, “thanks, and you can sleep in the tent if you want, it’s cold out here and I trust you.”

“Whatever you say princess…” he says with a smile.

Notes:

I hope you all like this chapter! I chose the nickname @narees17​ entered! I thought it fit so well! But thank you for everyone who submitted! Now we need to name the combee! Tell me your thoughts! Also if you would like to be tagged send me an ask! I love hearing from you all!

Taglist: @ichigokage​

[lindendragonart]

Done with my reference sheet. Really like how it turned out. I've had this bag since 3rd grade and I still carry it with me sometimes so of course I added it in.

To add some other stuff

From a young age, Dora has loved Pokemon of every kind, though she did take a particular liking to dragon types. She constantly read books on Pokemon, particularly their biology, and studied the Pokedex a lot. She interacted with Pokemon every chance she got and attempted to make friends with every single one. She couldn't wait for the day she would get her very own Pokemon partner.

Dora was very interested in Unovan folklore and the legends of the unovan dragons. She dreamt of meeting Reshiram or Zekrom some day.

This is one of the reasons she idolized Hilda after news made it of her legendary battle with N. You can see in Dora's clothing choices throughout the story that they are inspired by Hilda, her hat for example.

Dora lives in a medium-sized city near Aspertia.

Her closest family consists of her mother, father and five years younger brother.

Dora's father used to be a semi-professional Pokemon trainer of some success before he started working an office job later in life, but he still participates in tournaments from time to time. He has a Druddigon and Lycanroc on his team.

Dora's mother is not so fond of Pokemon. She doesn't mind them, but she doesn't want much to do with them. The only reason she has a Pokemon at all is because she had a short phase in her childhood where she wanted a member of the elemental monkey family and ended up getting one. If she didn't, she would have changed her mind at some point and never had a Pokemon. She has a Panpour that helps her water her plants.

Dora's mother especially does not like battles, but she and Panpour can battle in self-defense if necessary.

She is not fond of the fact that both her children are so into Pokemon and that they focus so much on battling. She also kind of hates that they have multiple Pokemon, a lot of them big and/or dangerous. But she is happy that they have other passions too, and hopes that they focus on those later in life.

Dora's brother is by all means the complete opposite of Dora, both in qualities and personality. They are both very inteligent, but in different ways. He's also very blunt and sometimes brash.

He is into Pokemon battling, but also robotics and programming. He doesn't specialize in a single type, but he is quite fond of poison types.

In real life, my brother is one of those people who never reuse their old Pokemon team in new games, and he generally doesn't have favorites among all his teammates throughout the games. So I gave Dora's brother a Stoutland and Crobat, since they are some of his more prominent Pokemon I battled, and for the rest of his Pokemon I'm not sure.

The Aspertia trainer school existed before Cheren opened a gym there, so Dora went there for one year in preparation for getting her first Pokemon. There she met Hugh and they became friends.

I also answered some more detailed OC asks here.

Okay, done with the exposition now.

[anti-anti-a-la-bi-bi]

Can you rant about pkmn sword? Rants are enjoyable to read

Alright, so it took me a bit to get my thoughts in line. Lets start with how I feel about the pricing: I am all for having 30 euro DLC over a third version for the full price, however, I do think that if they do that, as well as with the dex cut, they should quit with having there be two versions. Nowadays, with internet communication, it doesn't really do much for social interaction, it's just another hurdle for those of us who wish to complete the pokedex(and especially when they remove the GTS and make you pay for it later). It's still a scummy tactic, and no one will complain if there's just one version+DLC. It makes a big difference in the pricetag, since being forced to buy nintendo online, or two switches and two games to trade, are both mandatory payments to make in order to achieve one of the encouraged goals within the game. Furthermore, people within one family will likely be using the same cartridge, so if there is only one version, all in all, it'll make a huge difference for people who use a whole switch as a family as well. Also, I do not think that sword and shield are worth 60 euros. I think they're worth 30 at most, since the base game is worse than x and y/sun and moon. They also locked following pokemon behind a paywall, which is bullshit and yeah, fuck that. I think swsh are enjoyable, but not when they sell at the same price as games with way more content, games that look much better, and usually both combined. For what the switch can do, swsh look really bad, actually. There are a few pretty spots, but that's the exception, not the rule. To add on to things that I think are horrible; the raid battles, especially the more difficult ones, in single player. I don't have switch online, and as such, I need to do all raids alone. But, the raids are near-impossible in a lot of cases unless you get really lucky with the npcs and ai. I got two gmax Toxtricity by using wide guard with Zamazenta for over four hours until I finally got lucky for each. This is both to blame on the ai, and the horrible selection of pokemon. Pokemon that should have evolved at level 60, well, they are still in their first form, so you have magikarp and mudbray at a 5 star raid. At least have them evolved. They have good moves, yes, but their base stats are so low that it doesn't matter. Also, the shield mechanic. It is predetermined how much damage you can do, and if you land a supereffective hit, it's not unlikely for it to only do a sliver of damage and then the shield goes up. It's annoying, makes battles extremely difficult because a lot of npcs just won't attack while the shields are up, and it just becomes a waiting game if your pokemon is just there to act as support(such as my Zamazenta with wide guard to prevent Toxtricity from 2-hit ko-ing all my teammates). Also, the fact that even if you beat a gmax pokemon, there is still a chance not to catch them. It often takes ages to even defeat them, and then, 'Congratulations! You just wasted over half an hour of your life! Get fucked!'. I had this happen with Applin t w i c e. Also, the wild area is... It's okay, really. Nothing exceptional, my immersion is ruined by the sheer amount of pop-in, something that happens even when there aren't a lot of models on-screen, the Onyx in Motostoke being a rather infamous example. The trees look like shit, the berry trees look like they don't belong, to put it bluntly, it looks like something a student would make in unity. You'd expect something better from the highest grossing franchise in the world. The ai of the pokemon is often pretty bad, with them just moving in circles, I have seen so many synchronized pokemon at this point that it's just... Egh. Also, the customization options are still so limited? Can't choose eyeshape, can't choose clothes that actually make your character stand out, and you can't even choose your challenger uniform after you become the champion. Why does Leon get a special uniform? I have never seen a pokemon game so set on making you feel like a celebrity after you win, yet you don't get to have much of an identity in the game even after you win. It didn't have to be difficult, just a customization screen inside the dressing room of the Wyndon stadium, perhaps some extra clothing options? As for things I like: I like the atmosphere. The music, though sometimes repetitive, does help my immersion. The gym leader theme is dynamic, shifting with what happens in the battle, making me feel like I'm actually standing there, and the ambient themes work well as well, though those were rarely encountered at all. I love the characters, the trainer cards giving you some backstory on them, they are, together with the Unova leaders, the most present gym leaders today, with a history of their own. It felt amazing to just read the trainer cards(and I enjoyed making my own as well). The towns have their own themes, and while I can't remember the names, I do remember each location well. But. There was so much wasted potential. The castle in Hammerlocke? The large building in the east? Hammerlocke's castle: the vault, 1 room and a roof. The large building? Nothing. You don't even get to see the attraction inspired by the London Eye. Wyndon is so small??? It has a small shopping street, the stadium and the inn and that's about it. Castelia City was bigger than that. Overall, the game feels rushed. The gym challenges at the start were cool, but by the end it's more of "battle these trainers in a row haha". Also, the animations. Gamefreak claimed to need to remake all models(they did not, the 3ds models were used with better textures), and to make better animations(only for newer pokemon, most pokemon used their pokemon amie animations and further animations from the 3ds titles). The animations are still bad, especially for something as powerful as the switch. I enjoyed the lore behind the region, but I really, really dislike Dynamax. I like gigantamax because the pokemon usually changes in a way that is distinguishable, but regular dynamax... Nah. Give me mega evolution back, perhaps update its mechanics so it changes the gameplay more and requires more strategy, but Dynamax just feels like something that is so low-effort. Pokemon but beeg. The curry making, on the other hand, I love. Pokemon should not be a cooking game, but it made me feel like I was actually bonding with my pokemon, that they were present in the mc's daily life. I would love to see more additions like that, the possibility to become the kind of trainer you want. Enjoy swimming? Perhaps go for a swim with your pokemon? It doesn't need to be complex, but I'd just love to see my pokemon interact with each other and with my actual character more. The routes are too linear. The last route is literally a straight line with some trainers, with next to no effort in it. I also think that the handholding needs to be talked about. When you get to Motostoke and have signed up for the gym challenge, a staff member will lead you to the in, which is literally one screen to the left. Such examples are found all over the game, and I hate it. They do let you skip some tutorials, which is a welcome change, but characters are so willing to force you to stop with whatever you're doing and make you listen to their speeches that it still often feels like a slog, especially because you don't get to do shit besides gyms until the very, very end, in which the fucking champion tries to catch a legendary in a regular pokeball, not even a great or ultra ball. The lore is great, but the actual story is so nonsensical that I just didn't bother to pay attention. Hop literally recycles Hau's animations. I would love for him to have his own, so he'd feel more separate, because they ARE different characters, with different goals. But Hop is even more annoying than Hau because he just won't shut up. You walk 5 steps and he shows up somewhere, for no reason at all. Meanwhile, there's this big event going down, a crowd has gathered, you get there and... Leon has already resolved it. You just get a picture, that was what you wanted, right? That sums up most of the game 'the adults will deal with this!' . The picture doesn't even look good. Swsh is fond of just showing you pictures, for example, right before the climax when Rose and Leon are talking. There's no background music or anything, just pictures and the sound of the textbox. It feels so low-effort. Also, if you have a character that is a singer, and he uh, he sings, it MAY be a good idea to include VOICE ACTING. They had someone sing in Black and White 2! Surely they can do it on the fucking switch, several years later? The mouths flapping about just feels incredibly awkward. I would recommend the game if you can find it somewhere for cheap, not for the full price. There is enjoyment to be had, but it's subpar in comparison to other games for the same price. I may rant further depending on how much time I have.

[skunky2]

Top 12 Darkest/Creepy Pokedex Entries!!

Even though this idea has been done a million times by other fans in the past I thought it would be fun to throw my opinions in for which Pokemon have the scariest facts about them!!!!

Despite Pokemon being a family friendly game about catching, befriending, and battling cute creatures some of these Pokemon have very dark habits and backstories that make them live up to the name Pocket Monster!!!  Here are in my opinion the creepiest entries of the Pokedex

If I missed any you think should have made it in feel free to reply in the comments now on to the countdown!!!!

12. Cubone

Without a doubt the saddest stories in the entire franchise is that of Cubone’s!  It’s known as the lonely Pokemon since it lost it’s mother and spends most of it’s time mourning her death. Just makes you want to hug the poor thing!! However despite it’s sad tale it’s also very disturbing since the skull it wears on it’s face is that of it’s dead mother!!!

Fire Red: It wears the skull of its dead mother on its head. When it becomes lonesome, it is said to cry loudly.

11. Banette

This Pokemon already looks unsettling enough wait until you read it’s entry!!!

Emerald: An abandoned plush doll became this Pokémon. They are said to live in garbage dumps and wander about in search of the children that threw them away.

Black and White: A doll that became a Pokémon over its grudge from being junked. It seeks the child that disowned it. 

This Pokemon came to be over being junked by it’s owner and now seeks revenge on the child who abandoned it!!! Who knows what it does to these kids!?

10. Victreebel

This Pokemon has the most graphic description of it’s eating habits!!! 

Yellow: Lures prey with the sweet aroma of honey. Swallowed whole, the prey is melted in a day, bones and all. 

So anything that ends up in it’s mouth is insistently digested!? Also we can only assume that the poor creatures that end up being eaten are alive when they are melted away to nothing!?

This makes that running joke of James always getting chomped on by his Victreebel far more darker now.

9. Phantump:

This Pokemon is really cute so how can it be creepy? Little do you know this Pokemon is literally the spirit of a dead child!!!

Y: According to old tales, these Pokémon are stumps possessed by the spirits of children who died while lost in the forest. 

Your catching and battling with a dead kid’s spirit!!!

8. Beware

This Pokemon gets it’s name for a reason despite looking like a cuddly teddy bear this Pokemon can murder you!!!!

Moon: This Pokémon has the habit of hugging its companions. Many Trainers have left this world after their spines were squashed by its hug. 

This is both horrifying and also sad at the same time Beware most likely doesn’t know it’s own strength and doesn’t mean to kill it’s trainer when it tries to show affection.

7. Dusknoir

This Pokemon is literally the grim reaper so it has to be here!!!

  Y: The antenna on its head captures radio waves from the world of spirits that command it to take people there.

But it gets worse from here folks!!!

  Sheild: With the mouth on its belly, Dusknoir swallows its target whole. The soul is the only thing eaten— Dusknoir disgorges the body before departing.

Yikes!!!!!

6. Mimikyu

You most likely expected this Pokemon to be on here and for a good reason this thing dispute just wanting friends it apparently looks so scary that it’s true form can kill people!!!

Sun: It’s actual appearance is unknown. A scholar who saw what was under its rag was overwhelmed by terror and died from the shock.

Ultra Moon: A gust of wind revealed what hides under this Pokémon's rag to a passing Trainer, who went home and died painfully that very night.

5. Gengar

I’ll let the entries speak for themselves

Moon: It apparently wishes for a traveling companion. Since it was once human itself, it tries to create one by taking the lives of other humans.

Ultra Sun: It tries to take the lives of anyone and everyone. It will even try to curse the Trainer who is its master! 

It’s Gigantamax form is even worse!!!

Sheild: It lays traps, hoping to steal the lives of those it catches. If you stand in front of its mouth, you'll hear your loved ones' voices calling out to you.

4. Palossand

Sword: Palossand is known as the Beach Nightmare. It pulls its prey down into the sand by controlling the sand itself, and then it sucks out their souls. 

Moon: Buried beneath the castle are masses of dried-up bones from those whose vitality it has drained. 

So this Pokemon sucks it’s victims into the sand and then drains their souls I guess even the beach isn’t even safe in the Pokemon world huh?

3. Lampent

Actually all three members of this evolutionary line have dark entries but I find Lampent’s to be the worst.

X: The spirits it absorbs fuel its baleful fire. It hangs around hospitals waiting for people to pass on.

So it waits for people to die so they can burn their spirit for all eternity this Pokemon is the living form of Hell!!!!!!!

2. Cofagrigus

This Pokemon creeps me out big time mainly due to it’s habits!!!

Black: It has been said that they swallow those who get too close and turn them into mummies. They like to eat gold nuggets.

Balck and White 2: Grave robbers who mistake them for real coffins and get too close end up trapped inside their bodies. 

This Pokemon eats people whole and turns them into mummies not only that the victim is then trapped in their bodies most likely until death!!! So when you catch this thing it could have a mummified corpse in it!?

Finally we come to number one we’ve seen a ton of creey Pokemon on this list some that steal souls, eat people alive, and murder!!! But what Pokedex entry could be the darkest well what about a Pokemon that has to live with it’s own cursed existence!!!

1. Yamask

Black: Each of them carries a mask that used to be its face when it was human. Sometimes they look at it and cry. 

White: These Pokémon arose from the spirits of people interred in graves in past ages. Each retains memories of its former life. 

This has got to be the most messed up thing Pokemon has done not only was this thing once human but it actually remembers it’s life as a person!!!! That mask it carries is it’s only thing left of it’s former life so it has to live with the horror of what it has become!!!!

I hope you enjoyed this list wanted to do something fun for Halloween!!!!

[oddsandendsandthings]

Did somebody say Pokémon AU??

I honestly have no clue if this has been done or not. But here' what I'd think a Pokémon AU would look like complete with Pokémon teams.

So for the most part everything follows the show with the added bonus of Pokémon being a thing. The Magnus Institute exists to investigate and catalogue paranormal and supernatural experiences that fall outside the range of regular Pokémon shenanigans. So in the beginning, Jon is an even more cynical ass that chalks everything up to being just typical ghost Pokémon messing with people. But there are greater forces at work that fall outside of even Arceus's range of understanding. And there is more to fear than just Pokémon lurking in the shadows.

Jon: He wasn't like most kids with grand dreams of being a Pokémon master. He was and still is much more content reading a book than training Pokémon. All the ones in his team caught him more than the other way around which is really just par for the course for Jon really. He also can’t be bothered to name any of them.

Absol: It just started following him after the brush with the Leitner and just refused to leave. It tries to warn Jon about bad situations but the man has zero self-preservation instincts. Essentially acts like a beleaguered mom looking after her self destructive toddler.

Rotom: It really just kinda came with the tape recorder.

Unknown: Jon didn't intentionally catch it. The unknown just live in the Archives and made themselves at home in his office until one finally just tapped into a pokeball conveniently left on his desk. It likes helping him find real statements in the Archives and tries to work with its brethren and Absol to warn Jon about incoming dangers. He’s just too buried in statements to see ominous warnings literally floating above his head.

Buneary: It was the first and only Pokemon he ever purposefully caught. It hated him when he caught it and it still hates his guts now but they both refuse to let the other go out of spite. Tim gets a kick about teasing him about it.

Purugly: His first pokemon given to him when his grandma's purugly had kittens. It spends all its time skulking around the archives just doing cat things.

Chandelure: He caught it in the woods as a litwik as a kid and used it as a reading light. He doesn't believe in the stories surrounding them stealing your life force but it definitely does and he’s just too hyped on caffeine to notice.

Martin: I imagine Martin as the breeder type who loves to nurture Pokémon from eggs and just overly spoil his entire team. He of course names all his pokemon after Romantic poets.

Joltik:  Used to belong to Jon before he gave it away after the Leitner incident. He really just kinda threw the ball as far as he could and it hit Martin upside the head. Jon doesn't realize that Martin was that kid or that that Joltik was his and it makes both of them very sad. The only pokemon he hasn’t named since he doesn’t know what Jon named it and it didn’t feel right to change it.

Araquanid: He named it Byron after Lord Byron. Pokémon who, depending on who you ask, either drowns unsuspecting Pokémon or cares for them. Fits Martin to a T if you ask me and he would take pity on a poor, misunderstood spider.

Sylveon: He named it Felicia after Felicia Hemans. He raised it from an egg he found in the backyard. It was also his first Pokemon period that he hid in his room because his mom didn't want any Pokémon in the house. When she did find it she begrudgingly allowed it. She always seemed to dote on it more than she ever did Martin himself...

Klefki: Named it Will after William Wordsworth. This little guy is half the reason Martin is able to get into half the places he does.

Chansey: Named Keats. Another Pokemon raised from an egg, it is just as doting as Martin is to the others in the archives. It is also consequently the most powerful member on his team.

Zorua: Named Percy after Percy Shelley. He initially thought he was catching a volpix when he caught it. He bonded with it over having to hide who he truly is too. It is the overprotective guard dog he deserves that no one realizes how dangerous it truly is.

Tim: his team is comprised of beautiful Pokémon that can absolutely kick anyone's ass at a moments notice. They are all as salty as they are beautiful. He names his pokemon after famous actors and actresses.

Roserade: Named Angelina after Angelina Jolie, it was the first Pokemon he ever caught, the two are a dazzling duo charming anyone that crosses their path.

Yamask: It showed up and started hanging around him after his brother was taken by the Stranger. After that, he knew without a shadow of a doubt his brother was dead. He dotes on it constantly because of it despite how much it creeps others out. He, of course, named it Danny.

Milotic: Named Kiera after Kiera Knightly, he evolved it from a feebas he hatched from an egg. He still treats it like his baby.

Lopunny: It was his first Pokémon. His brother gave it to him as a gift and he took it as a challenge to get it to like him enough to evolve. He named it Audrey after Audrey Hepburn.

Liepard: Its stealthy nature is extremely helpful when scouting locations and doing research for the institute. It also hates Jon as much as Tim does. He named it Jackman after Hugh Jackman.

Diancie: He inherited it from his bro after his passing. Danny found it while exploring an old cave and used to travel everywhere with him. It and Danny are still inseparable. Its name is Mila after Mila Kunis.

Basira: Her team is as practical as she is. They are all extremely powerful and could easily take down the entire league if she wanted to. She just doesn’t want to. Her no-nonsense attitude means she just doesn’t see the point in naming any of her pokemon.

Arcanine: What's a cop without their traditional canine companion? Her arcanine fell in love with Daisy's before they even had a clue they were made for each other and set them up in a very 101 Dalmatian style.

Serperior: Her first pokemon given to her from the local pokemon professor. They share the same unimpressed icy stare.

Mightyena: They are truly cut from the same cloth and is honestly more of her partner than her official partner.

Alolan Ninetails: Her strongest Pokémon and her fiercest protector. It loves playing mind games with people.

Umbreon (evolved during the Raynor incident. It seems especially keen on picking up on paranormal activities making it very useful to have on hand)

Mewtwo (cause if anyone has a legendary Pokémon, it's Basira. She caught it during one of the section cases she took and just didn't tell anyone)

Daisy: She is the “gotta collect them all” type of pokemon hunter. She catches any new pokemon she comes across and sends them to the local professor cause she has to fill that pokedex.

Arcanine: Second verse same as the first with this one of being a staple of being a police officer. It will look for any excuse to burn someone. The only person it likes besides Daisy is Basira and her Arcanine.

Houndoom: Her first pokemon she got as a houndour. She terrorized the neighborhood kids with it and is essential for her hunting down both new pokemon and perps. 

Treevant: She caught it as a phantump after it showed up as she was looking into a cold case. At least if she never was able to file an official report, she at least knew how the case ended.

Sawsbuck: She caught it as a deerling and was the first pokemon she ever caught. What kinda hunter hasn’t caught a deer right?

Espurr: She got it after the whole coffin incident. She just kinda cam across it by chance and felt a kinship with it about having to restrain a flood of overwhelming power it holds.

Lyanroc Midnight form: It is as vicious as she is when in full Hunt mode. 

Melanie: She is the one type kinda trainer and it’s, of course, ghost types. She is determined to prove the paranormal exists outside of ghost type pokemon.

Gengar: It was the Pokémon that started her fascination with ghosts and the first Pokémon she ever had.

Honedge: She found it when looking into that ghost train and couldn’t not catch it. When she’s threatening to stab someone, she uses honedge to do so.

Sableye: Found in an abandoned, haunted mine shaft.

Banette: Cause what kinda ghost hunter doesn’t have a haunted doll?

Gourgeist: She caught it as a pumpkaboo on her very first ghost hunting trip.

Spiritomb: Caught it poking around the wrong place at the wrong time she came across it and had to catch it cause if anyone would have a spiritomb, it would be her. It’s just as bloodthirsty as she is.

Sasha: Do I mean this team was made by Sasha or Not-Sasha? The answer is yes.

Mimikyu: The first pokemon she ever caught. Wait... wasn’t it supposed to be a pikachu?

Ditto: This one just speaks for itself.

Baynette: After she caught it she started reading up on the stories and pores surrounding certain Pokémon that put her on the path of working at the institute.

Gothitelle: It started crying nearly immediately after Sasha started working for the Institute but didn't buy into the wives tale about them predicting their trainer's deaths. It mysteriously disappeared after the Prentis incident.

Claydol: She found it wandering around artifact storage and felt bad for it.

Parasect: Her first pokemon. She really just found it as a paras in her parents' backyard as a kid and begged them to let her keep it. It evolved during the Prentis incident while trying to help her fend off the worms.

[kotolocke]

Entry #03: Violet City.

Get ready boys, this is where the serious battling starts. And it starts with a big tower dedicated to a living vine. I love Pokemon. We’re gonna cover Lyra’s adventures in Sprout Tower, Route 32 and Violet Gym. But first—

—apparently Falkner gets some guy to stop people who haven’t beaten the monks at Sprout Tower? Violet City seems hella interconnected so expect a world-building post on that soon. Regardless, on with the show!

Sprout Tower.

   Okay, first off, this place is so interesting? I always forget about it but seeing as this is a place Lyra visits early on in her journey it’s pretty significant in shaping her ideas of what being a trainer is all about.

   She’s taking part in an ancient tradition, and she needs to honour it by making sure she trains her Pokemon in such a way that is respectful to them and the Pokemon handlers of the past. She also kicks these monks asses very hard. Who’s the training master now?

   Of course, we’re in a new area so we’ve got a chance to get a new friend, so meet Plum!

I really need to stop forgetting to take snaps of Pokemon in battle smh. I may have cheated a little and waited until night to go into the tower so I had a shot at getting Lyra something other than a Rattata and as you can see it payed off! Back to Plum though, he’s a pretty dower Pokemon. Ghost-types tend to come in two flavours; extremely silly and playful, messing about with other Pokemon and people for their own amusement or serious and weary of others, sometimes even vengeful—people tend to be scared of them and this sometimes leaves them feeling bitter and lonely. Plum’s a mild version of the second variety, he’s sombre and baleful, preferring to wear opponents down with status moves rather than go on a full out offensive. He’s a little weary of Lyra and her party when he’s first captured but he also appreciates the fact he’s finally in company that’s obliged to be nice to him. Small mercies. 

  I’m not gonna cover the rest of the randos in the tower because they and their dialogue belong in a world-building post, so let’s climb on up to the top...

   ...Where Lyra has her second encounter with Silver. Or half encounter? Can it really be considered an encounter if it’s not clear if they saw each-other? They did in blog canon anyway, Lyra insisted he must have cheated because there’s no way a mean, useless trainer like him could have defeated a great sage, Silver told her to shut up because weak trainers and their puny Pokemon have no business judging others. Which causes the Elder to level this choice criticism @ Silver:

Which, ofc, pisses Silv right off.

   So just to reiterate, early-game Silver’s an asshole, but this whole exchange kinda makes me wonder how uncommon Silver’s attitude towards Pokemon is? I’ll probably write a more in-depth world-building post about it later but as much as the games try to emphasise this ‘you should love your Pokemon!’ attitude, I don’t think many trainers really love their Pokemon with the same intensity I see Lyra loving hers? I mean HGSS in particular have a plot-line about how it’s actually not good to make Pokemon evolve before they’re ready but plenty of Gym Leaders and E4 members have Pokemon that are too low of a level to be at the evolutionary stage they are. I think Silver’s a very extreme trainer and very few people are as callous as he is towards his Pokemon, but. The Elder is absolutely in the minority of people who don’t think of Pokemon as “tools of war”—most treat their Pokemon decently, with respect, but they are primarily seen as living weapons that require a firm hand. Pokemon were once seen as enemies of man in feudal times and most people still don’t feel as friendly towards them as they would other humans.

  Anyway, enough world-building, let’s talk about Lyra’s battle with the Elder.

If you couldn’t tell, this Hoothoot was legitimately the first Pokemon that gave me any trouble and I actually got kinda scared Nutmeg was gonna faint but ultimately it didn’t take too long to defeat him. In blog cannon this fight probably makes Lyra realise that she’s gonna have to get a little more serious about battling if she wants to make it as a trainer. She’s good at training Pokemon to unleash cool little tricks and strategies in battle but I think at this point in her journey she sometimes keeps Pokemon out for longer than she should ‘cause she wants to show off a cool trick she came up with. And, well,

 seems to have worked on the Elder; he clearly likes her stuff!

Route 32.

   Before Lyra goes ahead and does battle Falkner, she’s gotta get a little extra training in. Though the message still hasn’t quite sunk in, the battle with the Elder makes her realise she should probably try to toughen her Pokemon up a little should they get stuck in a tight spot again.

   Now behold our potential new teammate from this area, a Bellsprout!

Unfortunately, Cabbage hit her with a crit Razor Leaf and she fainted in game. In blog canon she just ran off into the treeline and Lyra decided it would just be kinda cruel to pursue her. Hopefully she can just synthesise the damage off.

   Now, it’s time for a t-t-t-t-training montage! A couple of cool things happen whilst Lyra’s training in this area. First up and probably most important—

—Pod evolves! At this point Lyra’s been on the road for around a week and a half so his pupation time is up and he’s finally a beautiful Butterfree! He’s very eager to try out some of the techniques Lyra, Cabbage & Nutmeg have practised; he can fly but he’s not got claws like Meg has so he relies on a combination of spores and powders (like Cabb) and special moves. Lyra earns Pod’s eternal love by basically letting him go ham on a bunch of wild Bellsprouts and scaring them off with a Confusion he lets loose while flying around in high-speed circles. Lyra did feel bad about that later but in the moment she was just happy to see her little man so excited.

Best!! Friends!!

   Another member of the team starts to grow closer to Lyra at this point too; the newly caught Plum!

As previously mentioned, he starts off pretty gloomy and he kinda struggles to keep eye-contact with Lyra because he’s a little shy. He’s also not used to being out in sunlight; it doesn’t hurt him or anything but it takes a while for his eyes to adjust to it. But as soon as he realises Lyra’s highkey fascinated by him—Ghost-types are amongst the most poorly understood Pokemon and thus she hasn’t been able to read up on them much—and genuinely wants to work out how to put his weird ghostly powers to best use, he gets attached to her really quickly. He’s just never had anyone be so vocally supportive of him before! And all the rest of her Pokemon are so nice to him too??

Plum loves his new trainer so much!!

Violet Gym.

   It’s time baby.

Hell.

Yeah.

   There’s not too much to say about the trainers leading up to Falkner. They were pretty easy and one of them comments on the fact that Lyra’s mad strong. My headcanon that the protags are prodigies isn’t a headcanon lads, it’s just Facts.

See? Anyway the dojo-esque vibes in this Gym kinda made me wonder; are Gym’s called gyms because the trainers under the leader train their Pokemon there? Are they kinda like advanced Pokemon schools? Obviously the trainers have to be at least decent to be able to act as a leader’s gatekeeper but they’re probably there primarily to train under them. It’s definitely a topic for a worldbuilding post. Anyway that’s not important right now, what’s important right now is—

—Falkner.  

   Lyra had no trouble dealing with his first Pokemon, a level 9 Pidgey didn’t face up well against Lyra’s team of level 11s. Blog-wise, Scritches dealt with it very quickly by using a Quick Attack aimed at the ground to knock it out of the air.

  But the level 13 (under-leveled!) Pidgeotto that followed was an absolute menace. It was absolutely the bulkiest Pokemon Lyra had battled against so far and that combined with it’s Roost move made it incredibly difficult for her Pokemon to get any damage on it. 

He

completely 

rased

her 

team.

   As the fight progressed, Lyra began to cotton on to the fact that there was something not quite right about this Pidgeotto. After a Pokedex scan revealed it’s odd level, she began to suspect that this wasn’t a Pokemon that Falkner trained himself. It took a highly skilled trainer to get a Pokemon to evolve and unorthodox (and sometimes cruel) methods to get a Pokemon to evolve before it’s reached a level of power that it normally would need to do so. And Gym leader Falkner might be, but highly experienced trainer he is not. 

   By the time her last Pokemon went down, Lyra was fuming mad and extremely anxious. She rushed back to the Pokecentre and spent the next six hours flying between panic attacks as she hoped and prayed her Pokemon would pull through and utter rage at the fact that a league official would use a Pokemon that they had not only not trained themselves but also potentially abused. When her Pokemon were finally stabilised and returned to her she was still pacing around the Pokecentre for an hour after, trying to work out how best to tackle Falkner in a rematch.

   Eventually she decided that she had focused too intensely on raw attack power. If she was going to deal with a trainer who made use of some underhanded training techniques then it was only logical that she would have to get him back with some nasty tricks of her own. She and Plum were going to need to spend a little extra time training together, and I’ll be going into the details of it in the next entry.

[ghostmartyr]

Pokémon FireRed Nuzlocke [Part 8]

No grinding, no life. The Bill Gaiden Island thingamajig that starts after you beat Blaine has begun, and in the spirit of really wanting our team not to die, we’re running around doing things we don’t care about.

That’s the summary of this whole run.

Kindle Road is a much cooler name. Why didn’t you just name the whole island that, instead of shoving it onto the beach area?

Also, I guess this means a new route!

...With... a Tentacool!

New route, old problems.

Thanks to Blaine, Zaft is now the lowest level of the party at 41. Accordingly, Zaft gets to be up front for this adventure. Good luck, Zaft. We believe in you and so on.

Our belief is immediately rewarded with a level 35 Psyduck. Then another. At 36. Then a level 37 Golduck. Not bad. Zaft thanks you for your sacrifice.

Back on ground, Picnicker Claire wants to throw down. Starting with a level 35 Meowth. Then another level 35 Meowth. Pikachu. Clefairy. Bringing home the win is Zaft once more.

There are a bunch of rocks around here. Does anyone know Rock Smash.

...Okay, fake question.

Can a Pidgey learn Rock Smash?

..

tfw the real question is whether or not I have Rock Smash. I seem not to. Fine.

Camper Bryce!

He has a level 36 Nidorino that looks like a job for... uh. Not Zaft. Po, play nice. Sprinkle gets the Sandslash. Since we’re switching things up, the Raticate can go to Allenby.

I still keep wondering if someone sits down and renames every single NPC based on localization. Keeps me up at night. Anyway, puny level 35 Shellder, you are no match for Zaft. The Cloyster is slightly more intimidating, but that means nothing. Same to the level 38 Wartortle.

A wild double battle appears, so Heero and Allenby go up front. Against Crush Kin Mik & Kia’s level 39 Machoke and Primeape. Yeah, that’s a bit more intimidating. But nowhere near enough.

More Fighting trainers ahead, so Heero stays up front. Have fun, little one.

Black Belt Shea has a level 38 Machop. You mock me, sir. The Machoke is better.

Of the many things you could call Red’s outfit of choice, I’m not sure ‘frivolous’ fits. Black Belt Hugh. Another Machop, but this one’s level 37. Heero takes the food as a sign to learn Slash. Bye, Metal Claw. You were not very helpful. Machoke’s up next. Heero treats it similarly.

Back in the grass, I encounter a Fearow. But Spearow’s line has a check next to it for this run, so we’re still waiting for the proper first encounter for Kindle Road.

IT’S A PONYTA. CATCH IT CATCH IT CATCH IT.

CAUGHT IT.

RISE, FUUNSAIKI.

This is the only part of the run that matters.

Back to the fighting, where Crush Girl Tanya wants a fight. She has a level 38 Hitmonlee. Heero eats it. She has a level 38 Hitmonchan. Heero eats it. A good day is had.

Crush Girl Sharon is next. With a level 37 Mankey. Then a Primeape. I’m sensing a theme with some of these people.

I’m going to be so full of hatred if this extra bit has enough routes for me to fill my Pokedex to 50. RIP Exp. Share. But apparently the Ember Spa is for healing only. Tragic.

We return to water, and so Zaft returns to the front of the squad.

Swimmer Finn’s level 38 Starmie vs Zaft. Ready, fight.

It ain’t much of a fight, let me tell you that.

Swimmer Maria has a level 37 Seadra. Naisu. Then another. This extra area likes me.

Fisherman Tommy has five pokemon, which. I do not think I’ll like. The first one is a level 33 Goldeen. Suspicions confirmed. There’s another one. Allenby, in the spirit of you not becoming obsolete, I think you can take this Trainer. Seaking, level 35. Another Seaking. One last Seaking. Good, that’s over.

I have no memory of this place.

It seems like I need HMs.

I don’t wanna need HMs.

Even though the old man in the spa gave m the Rock Smash one.

Team Rocket is also here.

...Can Pidgey learn Strength?

Hm. Much like Rock Smash, it cannot.

Well. To the PC, I guess.

Hey Bill, what the fuck.

I guess. Uh. The map says there’s another place south of this island, so I guess I’ll explore that and then sadly proceed to whatever it was that Bill wanted me to do for him.

Swimmer Amara, who is presumably not in love with her cousin, has a level 36 Seel. Not anymore. Oh wait, she has another one. Now she’s out, because her last pokemon is a Dewgong.

Is this place named Treasure Beach because I’m expected to use this gen’s terrible Itemfinder. Because I don’t like this gen’s Itemfinder. I don’t like it at all.

Psyduck, I have you. Get out. Spearow, please stop. Tangela, interesting, but no. Fearow, I don’t have you, but the species clause is our hill to die on.

...Can I catch anything on this island? Beach? Thing?

Serebii says no.

Sigh.

I hate this fucking Itemfinder.

I guess I’m done with things here for now.

...Were these originally in English?

I just feel like they might have been.

And then I got a fetch quest for a lost child.

Her name is Lostelle.

The Pokemon Center’s PC doesn’t work either.

Bill.

Get it together.

Ugh. I can’t remember if this is a good idea in a Nuzlocke. 5 PP and 90 accuracy. PP is something I actually worry about in this gen and with this set of limitations.

but 150 damage

;-;

Oh wait, the user can’t do anything the next turn.

Sorry Heero, no Blast Burn.

Good news, there’s a level 14 Poliwag in the water. Its name Rab now.

And once again, I’m out of things to do on this island, so I guess I’m heading to the next one in hopes that it contains Bill’s quest stuff that gives me back the access to my PC.

Oh, sorry, Bill’s PC. -_-

Bill, this island getaway you dragged a ten-year-old along with you on is found wanting.

The Bill Gaiden is the strangest part of this anime.

Hey, Three Island’s PC works! Imagine that!

Anyway, we’ve stepped into the stage of beating up Bikers. Because this is their island now.

The first Biker’s name is Goon. Somehow, this is still probably better than going directly to Giovanni. Goon has a level 37 Koffing. Then a Grimer that looks like Sprinkle’s.

Hence, the ordeal with Goon ends.

Oh wait.

They’re all named Biker Goon.

These guys are so basic they don’t get actual names. #2 has a level 38 Koffing and nothing else. Good for him. #3 has a level 38 Grimer.

Oh good, someone with an actual name.

For the sake of this argument, Paxton is a name. He has a level 39 Weezing. Followed by a Muk. Very on-brand. Sprinkle, go forth.

Aaaaand it’s over.

Okay, time to work out the HM problem. What out of what I have can learn both Rock Smash and Strength? And isn’t a member of my real party.

Gyarados (Altron), Onix (Athrun), Growlithe (Duo), Krabby (Tarle)--

Wait up. Tarle can learn Strength and Rock Smash, yes.

But.

She can also learn Cut.

Quatre, you are being replaced. Even though Ren is technically the one in your slot right now. Tarle! Welcome to the wide world of being an HM slave!

We return to our regularly scheduled grinding-that-is-not-called-grinding-because-of-the-limitations-set-by-this-run. With Twins Joy & Meg. They have a level 37 Clefairy each. I have a Sprinkle and Allenby.

Aroma Lady Violet wants to battle next. She should know better. She throws out a level 36 Bulbasaur. Ivysaur. Next one’s probably a Squirtle. ...No, it’s actually another Ivysaur. Dang it. I was expecting Venusaur. I don’t know why. This gen is very unkind to the NPCs’ pools.

Tuber Alexis has a level 34 Staryu. I have Zaft up front. Oh dear. Krabby, Krabby, Staryu, and done. Sorry kid. I’m taking your money.

Worst ten-year-old ever.

Aroma Lady Nikki is next with a level 37 Bellsprout. Goody. Heero time. Weepinbell is next, and lasts just as long.

Then it’s back to Water. Tuber Amira with... her level 34 Poliwag. Then level 35 Poliwhirl. That one’s a better choice, kid. But then the Poliwag brings it on back.

A Swimmer’s in the water, and what do we get? Tisha with a level 38 Kingler.

Oh. It’s over.

Heero switching to the front for now. As we enter the Berry Forest. Looking for a lost child. Sigh.

Damn it. Do I have to fight this?

Oh, cool, it let me run. Hee. The things you don’t try normally.

And through the power of completing a side quest, we return to Two Island. Now with HMs. Trees shudder before me. And wouldn’t you know that Lostelle’s dad is Bill’s friend? Yay, the quests are over. Time to smash rocks on One Island.

My reward is fighting Pkmn Ranger Beth. She has a level 38 Bellsprout. Gloom. Gloom. They’re gone now.

Hey, Mt. Ember wants me to have something nice! A Geodude first encounter! It’s level 7, but aren’t we all sometimes. I shall name him Arms.

Crush Girl Jocelyn wants a fight. She has a level 38 Hitmonchan, but I have a Heero. She has a second one. I still have a Heero.

Wolverine’s day job. He has a level 37 Exeggcute. Oooh, and then a level 40 Exeggutor. Nice, bro. They’re both gone.

I keep climbing this place.

I hope Moltres isn’t at the end.

I hope more trainers are.

Sigh. Back down we go.

Worse, I think after we talk to Bill... It might be Giovanni time.

After I quickly check if I could grab another Leftovers from the other Snorlax that isn’t Po.

Cool. Grabbed. Here, Sprinkle. You’re gonna be a player character here.

So.

I’m out of Trainers.

Okay.

The team.

I’m going to do whatever I can to keep you guys alive.

You’re actually the first trainer I found in here.

Cooltrainer Yuji. He starts with a level 38 Sandslash. Allenby, I’m wanting you to have opportunity, but really, I’m sensing that there might not be much point. You can have the Sandslash, though. Oh, and the Graveler. Sprinkle’s in the the Marowak. For Onix we can move back to Allenby. And then there’s a Graveler, and that’s good too.

I want to make sure you aren’t too weak for the winter, Allenby.

First trainer done.

Black Belt Atsushi, what do you have. ...A Machop. A level 40 Machop. Then Machoke. Allenby cleans the stage.

Okay, I think after this, Sprinkle’s in front, but if I have the chance to switch before a Black Belt, Allenby can be in front. I don’t want to divide the exp too much. Ridiculously overpowered individual pokemon is still the basic trend I’m fighting for. Sprinkle needs the levels more than Allenby.

One level 43 Rhyhorn. Sprinkle laughs.

Cooltrainer Warren is next. With five pokemon. Starting with a level 37 Marowak. Then a Rhyhorn, a Nidoqueen, a Nidorina, and another Marowak. Geez. I feel like I’m getting drunk on the exp. So little for so long. So much is such large pieces. It’s euphoric. This must be why people do drugs.

A Black Belt follows, so Allenby’s back up front against Black Belt... Takashi. He has a level 38 Machoke. I should really consider giving Allenby a primary Fighting move that isn’t Karate Chop. Machop’s next. Then another Machoke that I Allenby has lost enough HP to worry about. Heero.

I think that’s the end of trainers I can reach without going through the whirly maze. I don’t like the whirly mazes. Too much like Silph. Bad mojo.

But we have Sprinkle! What could possibly go wrong!

No.

Tamer Cole has a level 39 Arbok for some reason. Uh. Po, get over here. Then we have a Tauros, so surprise, Allenby, go get it. Allenby spends a ton of time confused and we’re all sad, but then it works out.

Another Black Belt, another Allenby.

And screw it, we’re in the final chapters. Allenby can have a TM. Brick Break replaces Karate Chop, because I was tired of one of my best Attackers not one-shotting things.

Black Belt Kiyo has one level 43 Machoke. Ready, Allenby?

Allenby slays, Sprinkle goes back in front.

Just in time for Cooltrainer Samuel. He has a level 37 Sandslash. A level 38 Rhyhorn. A level 39 Nidoking. A Nidorino I gift to Po. And a Sandslash brings Sprinkle back in. On to the next.

Oh.

First out is a level 45 Rhyhorn.

Yeah. This is going to be fine until it isn’t. I’m not looking forward to that moment. A level 50 Rhyhorn pops out, and again. Yeah. Oh good, his Nidoqueen is only 44. The Nidoking is 45 because these games can’t quite help being sexist.

A level 42 Dugtrio is... last?

Huh.

Sprinkle?

I’m glad I trained you.

Now then.

I won’t be arrogant enough to say I’ve almost won. I’m the one who lost two of my team to a random Gyarados I didn’t even need. But the number of things left is shrinking very quickly.

I think our rival decides to be a pain right before the League, so Zaft is up front in case of Pidgeot. Other than that, there’s not much I really can do, short of some TM shopping I might consider once I make it through Victory Road. A little on the fence for that, still.

I feel like we’ve done this before. :P

Hopefully this time won’t be too different.

Yep, Pidgeot first. At level 47. Ick. Spark isn’t enough to take it out all the way, so I think I might want to risk another of--okay, no. No to everything about that. No risking. Just heading on forward. That damn thing’s Quick Attack does enough damage to worry about it using other moves.

(Zaft needs another move. I thought one would’ve been learned by now...)

Great, Pidgeot down. And oh look, Turq has a Rhyhorn too. They’re very in this season. Sprinkle, if you wouldn’t mind... It’s level 45, which makes me feel slightly better about everything. Not by much, but I appreciate it.

Heero steps in for Exeggcute. It’s only 45, too.

Blastoise is up.

...Zaft. You’re using Light Screen first, but there are too few exp chances for me to spare you the risk of this one entirely. This is partially why you’re here at all.

It’s level 53. Okay. Zaft, you’re using Light Screen, hopefully living, and then not staying.

Blastoise used Rain Dance.

It is so fucking tempting to have Zaft stay in, but Zaft’s best move is Spark. Which is pretty inexcusable now that I think about it. My only attempt at an excuse would be that I could’ve sworn it was supposed to learn the whatever thing by now.

But in any case, Po. Tank us in.

His Blastoise knows Water Gun.

This game’s idea of balancing fear and actual balance is entertaining at times.

Wow, Body Slam did basically nothing. Oh well. The Blastoise can’t kill Po, so they’re staying locked in a room together until I get the outcome I want.

Po’s a good girl.

Turq’s Growlithe is still a Growlithe, so Allenby!

Alakazam is last. Heero, take the wheel. Hot level 47 v 47 action.

I win!

Hell. Those level differences do not make me happy. Hopefully the main threat is meant to be that three of them haven’t evolved yet, and will have by the end. Otherwise, I hope Victory Road is way more full of trainers than I remember. I do not like this.

...Also.

Hey, ZAFT.

........

Oooooooooh.

Guess who looked at the wrong gen of Electrode’s Pokedex entry?

Okay, first thing on my list next time? We’re getting you Thunderbolt. Because Electro Ball doesn’t exist right now. Uh. Sorry about that. Your crippling overspecialization is. perhaps. now crippling.

Look, let’s just focus on the highs.

I have all eight badges, and I beat my rival. I’m cleared to head through the League. Good, right? We’re all fine here.

[bluberripi]

imagine haikyuu characters in the pokemon universe for a sec

like holy shit this thought just came to me

YOUR RIVAL Game rivals would be Hinata/Kageyama, doing the whole dual rivalry like what happened with Cheren and Bianca in B/W. Sometimes, one might act like a psuedo-rival and give the main player stuff (ie. Hinata: “Hey, [f/n]! Uh, I wanted to thank you for helpin’ me out there... so... here! Have this!” [Obtained a max revive]” or alt. Kageyama: “Are you an idiot?! Going into the forest with your Pokemon in that shape will only have you heading to the Pokecenter! Here, I’ll heal them up.”)

both are super proud of each other’s progress low-key and they both high-key really wanna beat ushijima.

THE PROFESSOR Coach Ukai, because there’s always been something between the mom of the game and the professor i know it he inherited the title after his old man, the genius professor, retired.

Professor Assistants Shimizu Kiyoko and Yachi Hitoka. Shimizu’s about to go out and become a proper trainer, so she gets Yachi to fill in her spot while she’s gone.

THE EIGHT GYM LEADERS (in order!)

Tanaka - the fighting type gym leader. wANTS TO SHOW YOU ALL HOW TO RESPECT A REAL GYM LEADER, DAMMIT. when you’re beat he’s just like “wow not bad i didn’t expect that from you but pssht don’t get cocky” (also knows you’re good and have potential and thinks you may become champion). PERSONALLY LEADS YOU TO THE NEXT CITY, all just so he can see noya-san, the returning gym leader.

Nishinoya - the FIRE TYPE GYM LEADER BECAUSE LOOK RYUU!! FIRE!!! HAHAHAHAH. these two definitely make the strongest start to a video game. like, ever. very loud, and energetic. 

Tsukishima - the poison-type gym leader, actually? i dunno i just can't see him trying too hard, so he’s only the third. still, he has lots of potential (that half of the elite 4, kuroo and bokuto respectively, recognize--which leads to constant pestering from their part), and despite only being the third gym leader, if unprepared, his poison affects are devastating to newcomers. 

Asahi - the game’s lovely high-strung steel type, with nerves that DO NOT MATCH. gets super nervous before a match, and although he does very well and is very strong and gets more motivated as the match goes on (and holy crap if this guy had a legendary pokemon it’d be regigigas or something because of the slow start ability RESONATING from this guy). visited often by nishinoya, who often complains about asahi’s nervous demeanor. also want one point where they have to fight the enemy team of the game and they buddy up and defeat them because hey who doesn’t want a sprinkle of asanoya in their life

Iwaizumi - the rock type gym leader. sorry, it didn’t even take me long to decide on this. His last name literally comes with the word rock in the first character pls. Combined with his steadfast personality, it works perfectly. When you beat him he just asks for you to kick shittykawa’s ass. Even tells you his pokemon type and starts telling you his pokemon and their dreadful moves until he’s cut off by some random plot device.

Akaashi - i honestly can’t help but say he’d be the ghost-type gym leader. he doesn’t put his gym in a freaking cemetery or have ghosts wander around, but he’s actually rather nice about it all and takes pity on the ghosts because seriously have you read some of their pokedex entries yeesh. his signature pokemon would be a drifblim, because of the dual flying/ghost nature. it’s his favourite, and it’s bokuto’s favourite, too. loved by many, and goes out of his way to help out even the most dramatic pokemon. maybe you’d meet him if there were a rogue ghost in the city, causing damage, and akaashi walks up and helps it calm down (almost the same way he does with bokuto)

Sugawara - i really wanted to make sugawara the nurse, but in the end i feel like he’d be a really strong grass-type gym leader. the healing thing still came to me though, so i’d see it as a strong type with annoying healing abilities. right when you’re about to defeat his pokemon, he hits you up with ingrain or synthesis and saves by a sliver, making the battle that much harder. another thought was that at the end of the game he’s actually offered to become an elite 4 but so is kageyama. he’s been a gym leader for a long time, but steps down so kageyama can have it.

Kenma - surprisingly, (or maybe unsurprisingly) the psychic-type gym leader. as the final gym leader before the elite 4, he’s really strong and definitely has a good grasp on all the types of moves there are (stats, inflicting damage, reducing, as well as extra effects) and even accounts for the type weaknesses. often hangs out with kuroo and grows to be friends with your rival hinata. although kuroo never lets him explicitly state that he’s the dark type elite 4, it’s implied. refuses to become an elite 4 personally, because it’s already too much effort being a gym leader. 

THE ELITE FOUR

Daichi - the grounded leader is now the ground-type elite 4! has really strong and nice pokemon. hangs with suga. i don’t know why, but i’d imagine that they garden, since he’s the ground-type elite 4 and suga’s the grass-type gym leader. at the very least, his area has flowers growing somewhere in homage to their friendship. idea was that he steps down from being an elite 4 to go focus on other things and become stronger, allowing suga to become one. read suga’s section for more.

Kuroo - dark-type elite four! debated on fire vs dark for a loooong time, but couldn’t help but see dark as the strongest feature. plus they’re badass, so kuroo would def brag about that to bokuto. First seen talking to Kenma at his gym, saying that he should hurry up and become an Elite 4 member already, since he already knows he’s qualified enough.

Oikawa - water-type elite 4. probably the most well-rounded elite 4 in terms of stats, with pokemon that can heal and attack strong and defend well and everything. wants to become champion (beat ushiwaka), but realizes he has to get stronger before doing that. really playful. his identity is not kept secret at ALL the entire game, as he has his own radio channel about him with water pokemon (looking cute while using cute pokemon to gain fans) and iwaizumi namedrops him earlier on during his battle. (lowkey inspired by ao3 superpower haikyuu fanfic, “baby, i can give you wings” by Metis_Ink, which is wonderful and can be read here: https://archiveofourown.org/works/2185851)

Bokuto - THE FLYING-TYPE ELITE 4. I don’t know why but i can’t imagine him taking the battle completely seriously and just doing some dumbass strategy that proves to be super broken. Something like Drayden from BW2, with some stupid dialogue like “AAARGH JUST WAIT FOR THE FINAL ATTACK!!! IT’LL BE AWESOME!” while doing 2-3 stat-raising moves or charging moves and then one broken ability that does a shit ton of damage. Kinda like the papyrus we never got in undertale. Alternately, a one-hit K.O. move. Gets super depressed when defeated, and can be seen after at a cafe with Akaashi, complaining.

THE CHAMPION This would undoubtedly be the prodigy we all know and love, Ushijima Wakatoshi. Trained since a kid, and worked really hard. A good champion, and definitely worthy of the title. 

OTHER APPEARANCES Takeda-sensei - the ‘mom’ of the game. Not an actual Pokemon trainer, but wishes the best for the main character when they go off, making sure they’re well-prepared and researching enough to send them off with a smile. (also dropping by with occasional “hey, hope you’re doing okay!”s) while you’re on your journey.

Lev - while you’re with kenma’s gym (with a visiting kuroo), there’s a little unskippable side-quest where Lev begs kenma to teach him how to catch pokemon, much to kenma’s annoyance. kuroo eventually defeats all his pokemon (doing something like beating a level 6 pidgey with a level 60 hydreigon, or trolling him by pulling out a lvl 60 zoroark that’s disguised as a small grass-type), but teaches lev good lessons in the process. is also trying to be taught by Yaku, an actual experienced ace trainer who just can’t help but be annoyed at Lev. 

Yamaguchi - some guy at the beginning of the game who shows you how to use pokemon and stuff. he’s either a normal-type trainer or a fairy-type trainer, or at least has an affinity with those two.

[archivedandmoved]

I'm gonna list off all of Leo's plot involvement from memory wish me luck

Trainer Leo, also known as Petaci(ペタシ) is a reoccurring character in the pokemon special manga. He made his first appearance in volume 50 in the black and white arc, appearing for the unova championship where he gets to the final 8, inevitably getting 8th place after losing to cheren, after his loss how ever he keeps cheering and rooting for cheren claiming he wants the one who beat him to be the one who wins the league. After N and Black start fighting at the league bc blah blah heroes of truth and ideals and who fucking cares, Best Boy Leo Petaci takes blacks side and is seen using his partner pokemon deino alongside professor junipers dad in a hot air balloon in an attempt to aide the hero of truth.

Cut to 2 years after second best boy, black, gets turned to stone, leo is seen watching Lacktwo (garbage boy stink man) break up with Yancy, he alerts lack when his now ex is gone and talk about how she's now an idol and this takes leo by surprise and they start to head to class only for lacktwo to stop and compliment Yuki Yuko and Maya then they talk about the league, stating he took part in it in the hopes that girls would think he'd cool, and as they're talking about serious things lacktwo almost tells him his secret double life but is cut off because Leo cares about getting to class on time so the best and worst boy walk to class. When they get there they're late bc they were too busy doing exposition that they gotta sneak into class to which Leo goes I behind lacktwo holding on to his shoulders. This backfires because Hugh steps on Leo's fursuits tail and pulls both leo and lacktwo down and Hugh starts lecturing them about how they weren't here on time, their new teacher(cheren) comes in and is like "pls go into the Hall and shut the hell up" they do and only Hugh's mad about it of course. Lacktwo activates his super human abilities and smells a person coming and proves that it's our other protagonist; whitwo but this post isn't about her it's to test my abilities of how well I know my fave and his involvement in the plot. Leo's a dangerously pan individual and gets flustered at the mere mention of a girl and for a panel his hats on backwards and it bothers me to this day- ANYWAYS. whitwo introduces herself and then the class goes to do pokemon battles bc we gotta give out pokedexes, Leo comments on that he likes fighting bc this is the pokemon manga who DOESNT like fighting in here? Surprise, whitwo doesn't like fighting. Any ways worst boy and best girl get the pokedexes and become our new preteen canidates for emotional trauma, saving the world, and temporary death. After this we spend like several chapters watching Lacktwo do some flips and I guess that's pretty cool. THEN THEY GO ON YHE FEILD TRIP AND LEO'S BACK AND EVERYONES HAPPY. Leo wants lacktwo to sit with him bc they're close good friends, maybe mo- but lacktwo fucking goes and sits with whitwo bc the protagonists have to talk to each other. They go to pokestars studio and Leo's just like "hey, tell me bout the green screen pls" and they do and he learns and then whitwo shows up to star in the movie and Leo's like "where's my main man lacktwo?" And then garbage boy shows up and all of class e is going "kyaaa" bc he's cool and they have low standards or something, anyways after lack and whi do their thing it cuts to them all going home and the girls are like "we gotta talk about festival plans" and Hugh gets mad and attacks them with vibrava and Leo stops him telling him that's enough and then after the girls disperse Hugh finds whitwo locket with ns picture and the SD card and he makes a bad comment and then decides to steal it! He takes it home and like when him and his room mate, surprise his roommates leo, are talking and Leo mentions lacktwo not having a roommate and Hugh says it must be nice and leo feels underappreciated, Hugh then goes through the data on the SD card and gets mad bc SOME ONE IS IN TEAM PLAMSA IN THEIR CLASS, and like Leo asks if he's okay and Hugh snaps at him but immediantly apologizes.

Then like vol.53 or what ever that took years to come out. And tbh I havent read it as much as v52 so bare with me. They are setting up for the festival and Leo's in charge of getting all the equipment but the shipments late and he's getting blamed for it so his bf, I mean, bff lacktwo offers to go get it for him and takes whitwo with him surprising leo and the others. Also like Hugh got in trouble and leo comments on it but I'm doing this on my phone and my hands hort. Next we see leo is after lack gets the equipment for him and also gives whitwo a birthday gift bc he's half decent at times, and he's stressing about doing the choir tournament during the festival bc he can't sing. Bianca singles him out as a member of class e and forces him to take Hugh's sister to the auditorium. Leo is easily fluster and this event makes him fluster for the whole day, he makes train noises (shuppo) when flustered and it's great. Anyways after he does that lacktwo goes and gets him and Hugh for the show and everyone comments of leo being off and what ever, Hugh gets mad bc leo was around his sister. The text states that leo found a beautiful voice through his stress and I'm so proud. Next time we see leo it's on the boat to castelia and he's coming out of a room with deino his partner and he scares Hugh's sister and she falls off the boat and through the power of his tiny baby arms he pulls her back up and she states that his deino scared her bc years ago one attacked her and he comforts her about this and let's her pet his dragon baby to get her used to it. Hugh sees this and apologizes for being a jerk and asks leo to not tell anyone his sister is here bc she's a stowaway and Leo agrees. After that when Hugh lack and whi are going into the sewers Hugh leaves his sister in Leo's care and that's the last current time we see Leo bc his next appearance is during bengas flashback where he talks about fighting Leo Hugh and lack (who he claims to be the strongest in his class) and I'm still waiting for my boy to pop back up again

[moonvalecrossing]

Moonvale's Pokemon Commentary: #248 Tyranitar

Oh boy my second review of a pokemon with a mega evolution!

Just for Looks:

This bad boy's just a big ol kaiju monster like Godzilla. I... I actually really love this pokemon it's adorable. It's got the same colors as Lavitar so I can't really complain in that department either. Though the green on its shiny is more like a dead grassy brown. But it still looks nice. He's a big round boy who needs some hugs because his parents buried his egg super deep underground and made him dig his way out.

Now... Mega Tyranitar. "Lets add more spikes that'll be cool right?" Yeah.. nah. He kinda looks like an exploded plant to me. Like for some reason some branches on this bush kinda decided to rebel and grow away from the normal branches. Also it has chest eyes now. Them body holes I hate so much now have 'pupil' looking things in what would have been Pupitar's eyeballs if you subscribe to the theory Tyranitar just pops out of its previous form like some weird clown car suit situation. Its eyes and abdomen are now bright red, and there's more of that softer non-protected red flesh on its back. There's a reason for all of this but that can wait for the pokedex section. Let's just say you may wanna hold off on using that fancy bracelet and rock some hobo from Kalos gave you.

One thing that bugs me about Mega Tyranitar's shiny... it doesn't account for the red change like the regular coloration does. Nope, the red stays the exact same shade of purple as regular shiny Tyranitar. I hate inconsistencies in character design like this. Drives me right up the wall. They should have at least made it a reddish violet or something.

What's in the Name:

Tyrant + itar. Bangiras on the other had could be from yaban (savage) or ban (barbarian) and hate. Plus that whole Godzilla and the other Kaiju I mentioned in the previous two members of this family. Our little broody eye shadow baby has grown into a hate filled Kaiju barbarian savage. Don't bury your children super deep underground and make em dig their way out to meet you. That kinda junk does things to a child.

The 'Dex Says:

Tyranitar's body can't easily be harmed by attacks, so wild Tyranitar are always looking for a worthy opponent, apparently. I guess growing up in a cocoon shaped cement glob of soil will do that to any angry teenager. Also these guys apparently spend their days having fun and destroying freaking mountains and burying rivers to the point maps are constantly redrawn where they live. Yeah... okay sure Timmy. That'll go straight into the ‘dex because apparently the Professors are too busy to hire anyone to proofread whatever these kids send in. If these pokemon were actually this destructive I'd imagine they'd have been hunted to extinction as soon as everyone around realized that anywhere these guys inhabit would be drastically altered constantly.

Now for Mega Tyranitar. Oh boy kids. This guy's red in places because it is fueled by fury and pure destructive instincts. Why, you ask? Because all that energy from its mega evolution caused the armor plating on its back to SPLIT FREAKING OPEN. It is acting on pure instinct for survival because it's probably in massive amounts of pain. It's unclear whether or not it can even hear its trainer's orders through its pain-fueled rampage. I'd be surprised if a trainer lives long enough to have their pokemon mega evolve twice. Tyranitar would probably eat them after recovering from the pain of its back getting ripped open and then forced back together once the battle ends. And I would be fine with that.

It's Rating Time!

5/5 for regular form Tyranitar. He's a big ol round dinosaur baby who needs some love. And a visit to therapy due to childhood trauma.

2/5 for Mega Tyranitar. It looks pretty over-designed compared to its regular form. Plus its existence is nothing but pain and suffering. Someone should smash all the mega stones so these sweet babies never have to mega evolve again.

Want to read more of my reviews? Click here!

[pocket-monsters-precure]

Chapter 5: Intuition is Key! Watch Our Bond Grow!

Naomi let out a satisfied sigh, sitting on the beach before classes began for the day.  The sun was just barely up, and the surf was quiet.

 “It’s a lot like home,” she thought aloud, “Wonder how mom and dad are doing..?”

 The footsteps in the sand behind her sounded familiar.  She looked over her shoulder with a smile at the absol that approached.

 “Sure doesn’t beat home, but it’s darn close, isn’t it, girl?”

 “Sol.”  Absol strode up beside her and sat down, nuzzling her briefly.  Naomi giggled and scratched behind her head-blade.

 “Alright, we better go. Next weekend we’ll get started on building a raft, okay?”

 --

 “Come on, you two, let’s settle this like adults…” Kailani said carefully as Rotomi and Rotom, who was inhabiting his Rotom Dex, were squaring off.

 “I’m telling you—bzzt!—there’s not enough room in here!” Rotom hissed.

 “I can’t just stay out in the open!” Rotomi argued, “And I need to stay close to the Precure! Kailani has too much stuff in her bag…”

 “Um…” Fae began to speak up.

 “The Rotom Dex was—bzzt—made just for me!” Rotom snapped.

 “Wait a moment!” Fae raised her voice, prompting the others to look at her.  “Um…maybe..she can live in my pokedex?”

 “Really?”  Rotomi’s eyes lit up as Fae unplugged her pokedex from its charger and held it out.  “Here goes!”

 Rotomi zapped herself into the pokedex, which suddenly gave off a bright glow.  When the light dimmed, the pokedex had changed its appearance—it had gone from red to a pale pink, and had a noticeable heart shape to it. It opened up to reveal Rotomi’s face on the screen.

 “Wow, it’s perfect! Thank you, Fae!”  Rotomi’s face darted to different corners of the screen. “I’m now a Cure Dex!”

 “A Cure…Dex…?” Kailani leaned in.

 “Now that I have access to technology, I can better sense darkness, and maybe even track where it’s coming from!  Maybe…if I keep absorbing the leftover negative energy, we can power this baby up! I mean, it’s just a theory, but…”

 “It’s worth a shot,” Fae nodded.  “I wonder if…” She accessed the pokedex menu, going to where she would normally see a list of pokemon she had catalogued.  Instead, there were the two nega-evolutions that the Cures had fought so far.  “Wow! It goes through Rotomi’s memory to see what nega-evolutions we’ve fought!”

 “For real?” Kailani beamed. “This’ll be great for helping us with the nega-evolutions, then!”

 “You can swap between the Cure Dex and your regular pokedex at any time,” Rotomi explained, “Can’t forget what it was made for, after all!”

 “This’ll be super useful!” Kailani cheered, when she heard the town’s clock tower in the distance. “…ah!  We gotta go to class!”

 “It’s supposed to be really hot today,” Fae said as she went to get her bag, “Maybe we should go to the beach after class.”

 “Oh, that’s a great idea! We can see if Naomi wants to go, too!”

 “I’m sure she will,” Fae replied, “Naomi’s from Slateport City in Hoenn—there’s a lot of sailors and fishermen there.”

 “I noticed her pictures—she looks like she’s quite the sailor!”

 “She is!  And a great swimmer, too!  Come on, we better hurry…”

 --

 “Blasted Precure…”

 Ataxia irritably filed her nails, gritting her teeth as she sat on a chaise lounge in the Realm of Dysphoria—the room was styled similar to an old-fashioned parlor, and the bay window showed nothing but darkness and swirling auras outside.

 “Who do they think they are?” Entropy grunted, biting into a sandwich, “Suddenly gettin’ in our way…”

 “I can’t believe they’re for real…in my world, they’re stuff of legend.”

 “Oh yeah, I keep forgettin’ you’re not from my world.  But how’d they start poppin’ up on my home turf, huh?”

 “Obviously in response to Lord Tumult breaching the dimensions,” Ataxia replied, “But there’s only two of them, and our forces are spreading across your world, so it should be nothing to worry about…”

 “You say that,” a new voice muttered, “But you were up in arms about ‘em when you came back…”

 Ataxia growled and turned to face a sofa, where an athletic-built man was lounging.  “You should talk, Bedlam!  You haven’t even faced them yet!”

 Bedlam opened one eye, lazily looking over.  “Hmph. Well, since you two have already met ‘em, I figure it’s about time I go.” He sat up and stretched, before rising to his feet.  “Lemme see just how tough these little girls are…”

 --

 “Pokemon medicine has drastically improved within the last two decades, and it’s even beginning to show in human medicine.”

 Dr. Alice Pierce was giving a presentation in Mr. Barton’s class, in place of the normal science class. Penumbra was quietly sitting nearby, eyeing up the class, an ear twitching on occasion.

 “Studies have shown that the bonds between human and pokemon have shown a remarkable improvement in both physical and mental health for both parties.  There are even many charities and services available to provide therapy pokemon to those with mental disorders and physical disabilities.  For example…”

 Naomi stared out the window, tapping her pencil against her notebook page eraser-first.

 “…does anyone have their own examples, small or otherwise, of how they believe a pokemon improved their health in some way?”

 “Hm?” Naomi immediately snapped to attention, then raised her hand.  Among the students with hands raised, Dr. Pierce’s eyes settled on her.

 “Yes?”

 “Well…” Naomi stood up in her seat.  “…I’ve always been kind of a risk-taker, and my family would warn me that it would get me hurt one day.  A few years ago, I went canoeing and didn’t think to take my pokemon with me…while I was out there, I noticed this absol standing by the water’s edge, barking at me, like it was trying to get my attention.”

 Fae smiled—she knew this story.

 “Eventually it got more and more frantic, and I decided to paddle over to check on it.  As soon as I got out of the canoe…this huge gush of water came rushing over the waterfall and took my canoe with it...it turned out a dam had burst, and the absol was trying to get me out of the water.”

 Naomi beamed, then finished, “Since then, Absol has been one of my most treasured pokemon.  If she seems uneasy about something I’m doing, I second-guess.”

 Dr. Pierce nodded. “It’s said that absols can predict disasters—long ago, it was believed that they were the cause of disasters, when it turned out they were just trying to warn humans.  Thank you for sharing—seems Absol improved your health before she even became your pokemon.”

 As Naomi sat back down, Kailani looked at her in wonder.  “Wow…”

 As Dr. Pierce went to ask other students for their stories, Penumbra’s right ear twitched, and she cocked her head to the side, toward the distant beach.

 --

 “What a great day…” Kailani stretched and gazed out at the water.  “A class without tests and a sunny day!” She looked over at Naomi, who released Absol from her ball.  “I had no idea your absol saved your life!”

 “Ah, geez…” Naomi laughed sheepishly.  “She’s been really overprotective since then, but I know it’s for my own good…”

 “Who should I let out today…?” Fae examined her bag, before pulling out a pokeball and giving it a toss. “Let’s go, Seel!”

 “Seel, seel!” Seel clapped its flippers.  Kailani released Brionne to give Seel some company.

 “Absol, can you watch our stuff?” Naomi asked.  The pokemon responded by laying atop the trio’s bags.  “…well, I guess that’s one way to do it.”

 As the girls settled in and took to the water, Kailani looked to Naomi as she emerged from beneath the waves.  “I saw your pictures in the dorm.  You’re from a sailing family?”

 “That I am!” Naomi beamed. “I was in the swim club at my middle school, too.  Guess that’s what happens when you live in a port town like I do.”

 “Does Absol sail with you?”

 “Absol’s not a big fan of water; she likes to sleep on the beach while I take a different pokemon. Usually it’s Treecko.”

 “No way!  I’m imagining such a small pokemon clinging to the sail…”

 “You’re not far off.”

 Fae had emerged from the water, focusing on making a sand castle while Seel splashed around in the surf. She looked up at the two talking, smiling softly, when she heard a growl.  Turning, she saw Absol beginning to grow agitated by something.  “Absol…?”

 Absol began to bark angrily. “Sol! Sol!”

 “Huh?” Naomi looked up as she heard her.  “Something’s up.  Come on.” She beckoned to Kailani, as the two reached the shore.  Absol had risen to her feet, pacing around and snapping her eyes in different directions.  Rotomi peeked out of Fae’s bag worriedly.

 “I’m starting to feel something, too…”

 “Absol?  What’s the matter, girl?” Naomi crouched down, when Absol tried to use her head-blade’s dull side to hook Naomi’s arm and pull her. “Hey!”

 “Hey…” a voice drawled, “Would you shut your pokemon up?  I’m trying to rest.”

 The owner of the voice rose to his full height, slightly obscured by the shade of a beach umbrella. Tall, athletic, with fair skin and sandy blonde-grey hair.  The dark colors and sharp angles of his attire were a calling card.

 “It’s another member of Team Dysphoria!” Rotomi cried as she emerged from the bag.

 “Name’s Bedlam,” he grumbled as he scratched his head. “You know, I was gonna take a nice, long nap before I got to spreading despair and unease.”

 “What are you talking about?”  Naomi raised a suspicious eyebrow. Absol stepped in front of her, growling. Bedlam lazily eyed the pair up and down, before digging into his pocket.

 “You don’t gotta understand it…just obey it.  Let’s see how much the nega-balls mutate a human.”

 With a grunt, Bedlam hurled a fastball straight at Naomi.  She had no time to react—but Absol did.  She jumped backward, knocking Naomi away and being encapsulated by the ball.

 “Absol!?” Naomi cried as she hit the sand, scrambling back to her feet to run toward the ball containing her companion—when it burst open again.

 “NEGAAAAA!” Nega-Absol emerged from the ball—towering over the group at nine feet tall, its claws and head-blade razor sharp, its fur jagged and sinister.  Batlike wings emerged from its back, as if a sinister subversion of the species’ mega-evolution, and its tail had extended to a whiplike length.

 “Heh, that’ll do.” Bedlam snapped his fingers. “Nega-evolution, do your stuff!” Nega-Absol responded in kind, rearing up before charging toward the other beachgoers.  People and pokemon began to flee the scene, as the monster kicked up sand, umbrellas and beach chairs.  Nega-Absol reared her head back and let out a roar, a shockwave stopping and collapsing several pokemon, who now seemed frightened and weary, giving off a dim aura.

 “Absol!  Stop!” Naomi cried, before turning to Kailani and Fae. “You two go!  I’m gonna stop her!”

 “We’re not leaving you alone!” Kailani declared, while Fae anxiously watched the mayhem.  After a pause, both of them took out their cure compacts; in that time, Naomi had already started running toward Absol, throwing a pokeball and releasing Sceptile to attempt to subdue the rampaging beast.

 “Precure! I! Choose! You!”

 As Cure Sunrise and Cure Wish transformed, Naomi had already attempted to battle Nega-Absol.

 “Sceptile!  Use Leaf Blade!”

 Sceptile leapt into the air, converting the leaves on its body into swords as it attempted to slash at the monster.  Nega-Absol responded in kind by swinging her head-blade and smacking Sceptile back down. Naomi ran to check on it, as it suddenly jumped to its feet and pulled her back as Nega-Absol tried to stomp on them.

 “Sceptile, let go of me!” Naomi ordered, “I have to stop her!”

 Sceptile ignored her, only for her to squirm out of its grasp and run back toward Nega-Absol. “Absol!  Come back to your senses!  This isn’t like you!”

 Nega-Absol reared up to stomp again, only for Cure Sunrise and Cure Wish to slam into her with powerful kicks.  As the Cures landed, Sunrise turned to face Naomi.

 “It’s not safe for you here! That man did something to change your pokemon…we’ll do whatever it takes to turn it back!”

 “I’m not leaving!” Naomi argued.  “Absol’s been there for me through thick and thin!”  She clenched her fists, tears streaming out, “I don’t know who you two are, but I won’t abandon her!  I’d never abandon any of my pokemon!”

 At that declaration, she took off at a sprint, and as she drew closer, Nega-Absol began swinging her head-blade down.  Before she could make contact, there was a brilliant light…

 Naomi looked around as she found herself standing in a starry void.  “What…?”  She looked around.  She grit her teeth, then began to sprint in the endless cosmos.  “Absol!  Sceptile! Where are you guys!?”

 “Ji-ra-chiiii~!”

 Naomi skid to a stop, stumbled and fell over (somehow, despite there not being any definitive ‘ground’ to speak of), before grumbling and rising to her feet.  She gasped, as a face she had only seen in picture books had appeared before her.

 The legendary pokemon Jirachi floated before her, a warm smile on its face as it held in its hands a round object.

 “J-J-J-J-Jirachi!?” Naomi stammered, as it spun once and held out the object…a compact with the image of a star.

“Jira!” Jirachi gave it a shake for emphasis as it extended its arms.

 “I-Is that…for me?”

 “Jirachi!”

 Naomi took the compact in her right hand, feeling a warmth in her left and looking down to see a blue, opalescent stone forming.

 “Will this…help Absol?”

 Jirachi merely tilted its head, as a new energy began to rush through her.

 “Precure!  I! Choose! You!”

 Moments later, a seemingly-new person stood in her place, and with immense strength, clapped her palms together and caught Nega-Absol’s head-blade.  Clad in deep blue and pale yellow, short hair meeting back like a paintbrush, but all-too-familiar eyes glared up at Nega-Absol, before kicking the blade back and flipping away.  She struck a fighting pose.

 “Courage as vast as the night sky!  Cure Starlight!”

[rememberthemonster]

Twitch Plaze Blazed Glazed part 9: Power Plaze

Where we last left our honey of a heroine, she was headed towards an abandoned power plant to investigate some weird noises or something.

Hijinks are about to ensure.

Well, thanks for the warning. I take it one of those ‘friends’ was Mr. Randomly Paints IU On Abandoned Factory Walls.

Wait... no, no that’s not “IU.” That’s...

That’s FU. He’s writing big red “FU” all over the walls. Not only that, but judging from his range, apparently he’s managed to either scale the scenery, or crawl through holes in the floor and ceiling.

We’ve got Spider-Man doing rude graffiti in an abandoned factory. Not sure how I feel about this. What a waste of talents.

Not to mention that the emulator music has been running pretty slow. Did I mention that this place has Lavender Town’s music?

Quartz? Is that you, Quartz? Why is your music running so slowly, Quartz?

(Seriously, it starts out normal, but sometime around the 0:28-0:29 mark, it starts getting slower. This could be the same model of glitch Porygon that Quartz from TPP Brown was, or maybe some other model of Porygon that glitched differently, I’m not sure.)

While dev member M4_Used_Rollout was fixing the music problem, something special happened.

Future evolutions would not come so easily, and would mainly occur on Night Crew’s shift. If Quartz hadn’t shown up when it did, and M4_Used_Rollout hadn’t had to fix the problem, then who knows when Sap would’ve evolved?

Yes, Kelcyus, I expect a Quartz dex entry cameo for this.

Even with Sap’s evolution, we didn’t make it all the way through the Power Plant that time. So after a bunch of knocking about town, Honey went to the easiest grinding solution.

Yep, Bug Catcher Nick. Saint Nick, I call him.

Barbecue wanted to be just like Nick’s Metapod.

But it was not to bee. (Pun intentional.)

After a couple rounds of Nick grinding, we headed back to the Power Plant. More exploring, more wild Electric-types, more Quartzes. And of course, more grinding.

Poor Barbecue never did evolve, though. She made it all the way to level 10, even. She could have been a beautiful butterfly...

Eventually Honey opened the Pokedex to see if it had any tips.

Nope. No good advice here, besides “Your Pokemon stinks.”

Eventually Honey made it to the floor where the biggest disturbance was coming from:

There’s a guy wearing Brendan’s hat, and there’s our old enemy Cosplay Scarfed Pikachu, looking all glowwy and sparkly in his pretty red scarf.

“What? You mean that adorable little yellow rodent with a serious static problem on his scarf?”

“Isn’t that somewhat unsafe? I mean, there’s vandals running around this power plant. What if they messed up the turbines themselves?”

“No, you need to get out of here. I’m the heroine. Besides, I’m looking for the gym leader.”

There actually is a period at the end of this sentence. But this part of the scene went by so quickly on stream, I barely managed to stop the YouTube recording bot video fast enough to screencap the message this complete.

In other news... first Professor Willow, now Sparky. Pokemon GO confirmed!

“though...”

The answer was as simple as flipping a switch. Well, actually, as simple as walking across a room with holes in the floor and a bunch of obstacles, finding the right switch to flip (which of course was the one farthest away), and flipping it.

Which, for a Host, isn’t really that simple at all.

Don’t ask me what the other switches would’ve done. I don’t know, and Honey might be glad she doesn’t know. But with all the decay and vandalism going on inside that power plant, it’s probably lucky for Honey that the Voices knew which switches not to pull.

But it worked.

And then the Voices decided to pull another switch, just to see what it would do.

It was stuck.

Probably a good thing, given the Voices’ luck.

Honey tried to pull it again anyways.

And again.

And again.

Stubborn, isn’t she? When Honey makes up her mind, she sticks to it.

Meanwhile, all this time Scarfchu is standing in the middle of the room dancing back and forth like he needs to lift his leg. His tail’s whipping back and forth as well -- here, watch him yourself.

Honey even walked right past him at one point, close enough to brush against him. I’m surprised he didn’t bite her.

Now, I’m about to draw your attention to something important that Hony does.

She stands here, about to speak to Sparky. Why is that important, you ask? It’s because of where she’s standing:

Over a hole in the floor.

Don’t believe me? Look at the evidence:

Sparky, however, doesn’t seem to notice. He just wants Honey to prove how strong she is.

“Wait, what? When did I kiclk you out of your home?”

“I’m a POKEMON! I live in the forest, dimwit! Your stupid parents were standing right over my burrow!”

...okay, that’s just a guess on my part.

“...lesson you’ll never forget!”

Spoiler: in Blazed Glazed, Scarfed Pikachu has stronger base stats than a Raichu. I don’t know if this is granted to it before or after this scene, but this is as good an in-game explanation as anything else, I guess.

He even has his own intro. Boss time!

Some epic music plays in the background. It’d seem a bit more epic if Edgelord here wasn’t making such a cute face and wearing a red scarf.

Honey tried to flee the battle, but she wasn’t able to. Edgechu spent that turn using Agility to get even faster.

Sap was out of energy for Razor Leaf, so he used Withdraw... after Pikachu used Quick Attack to hit him at normal strength anyway. Pikachu used Agility again, and Sap used Withdraw again.

Then Honey switched him out for BBC, making all of that moot.

Edgechu managed to drop BBC down to only 4 points of health with one Quick Attack. BBC realized two things: one, she was all out of energy for all her moves that would actually affect Edgechu (Tackle and Sand-Attack), and two, Pikachu could kill her before she could use Howl anyway.

So Honey switched Grotle back in. Which promptly got Quick Attacked down from 12 HP to 6 HP.

Despite chat wanting to use Absorb, the difficulty of Turbo Anarchy shattered our illusions of control, and Honey accidentally switched back to BBC anyway. (Edgechu only used Agility that turn. Taunting us, no doubt.)

So BBC did the only reasonable thing she could think of.

To be continued...