|
8,797 posts
|
16 likes
|
May 15, 2024 13:06:05 GMT
|
Administrator
|
Post by DataNinja on Oct 4, 2019 21:51:59 GMT
There's still a few obviously-novice trainers wandering around Oldale by the time she gets back and leaves, but the route itself is fairly quiet. The vast majority of the Trainers have passed already - though, in truth, there were probably only about three dozen in total when she was there at the Lab, that's still a lot of traffic at once - leaving a much quieter atmosphere.
She's able to get to a place to camp without too much of an issue (besides maybe setting up her supplies), though the attempts to fall asleep are somewhat thwarted by chiming and hooting beneath the moonlight. At least it's nothing aggressive.
She does find herself woken up in the morning, though, by some small claws poking into her face. Eyes opening onto a sky being tinged orange and blue by the rising sun, she notices that most of her field of view is blocked by an upside-down orange ursine face with a crescent moon on the top. It seems to be peering at her curiously, looking down from over the top of her head.
|
|
|
6,670 posts
|
92 likes
|
I'm not going to say it was damage, but it was damage.
|
May 15, 2024 21:00:37 GMT
|
Member
|
Post by Robot on Oct 4, 2019 22:01:59 GMT
Rubbing the sleep from her eyes, she retrieved her glasses from where they lay nearby and settles them behind her ears before rolling to get a look at this inquisitive young mind. "Can I hhhheeeeeaaaaugh...." Beatrice yawns bracingly into a hand, blinking a few times and smacking softly before finishing. "Help you? It is a little on the early side to be poking sleeping bears, but not too early to be poked from sleep by one, apparently."
Sitting up cross-legged, she considered its body language. It was young, likely unevolved, the claws weren't as sharp as they could be, but the muscles driving them were likely very dense. Pulling her coat on, and drawing her pack near, she mumbled sleepily under her breath. "Too early for Dex." Before turning to the cub again. "Are you hungry?" She opened her mouth and pointed in. "Hungry?"
|
|
|
8,797 posts
|
16 likes
|
May 15, 2024 13:06:05 GMT
|
Administrator
|
Post by DataNinja on Oct 4, 2019 22:11:47 GMT
The moment she pulls her pack close, the bear jumps up and down. There seem, upon further examination, to be some slight scratches on the fabric of the pack. It does indeed seem to want what's inside, but was unable to claw its way in. Maybe in a few more months. Thankfully, it doesn't seem to be too aggressive about it, instead trying to finagle its way inside with cuteness. It's probably worked on travellers thus far.
|
|
|
6,670 posts
|
92 likes
|
I'm not going to say it was damage, but it was damage.
|
May 15, 2024 21:00:37 GMT
|
Member
|
Post by Robot on Oct 4, 2019 22:20:46 GMT
"Alright, alright... It isn't stealing since you woke me, it's a food toll, right?" Bea chortled softly as she opened the flap for her pack and rummaged around inside. Most of her trail rations were dried fruit and mixed nuts, but she did keep the odd piece of fresh fruit or smoked meat as well, since the latter kept longer. She offered the little bear an apple.
"Here you are, take it in good health." She tossed it gently to the cub before starting to pack the remainder back up.
|
|
|
8,797 posts
|
16 likes
|
May 15, 2024 13:06:05 GMT
|
Administrator
|
Post by DataNinja on Oct 4, 2019 22:24:42 GMT
With hunger in its eyes, the bear deftly catches the fruit before immediately plopping down on the ground to begin chowing down on its prize. It no longer seems that interested in Bea now that it has food.
|
|
|
6,670 posts
|
92 likes
|
I'm not going to say it was damage, but it was damage.
|
May 15, 2024 21:00:37 GMT
|
Member
|
Post by Robot on Oct 4, 2019 22:36:42 GMT
Gently she tousled its ears, petting the downy fur for a few moments, enjoying her own breakfast alongside the cute little mooch. Really, robbing travellers wasn't sustainable, it would get itself caught eventually. This was sort of a show as to how humans impacted Pokemon behavior patterns. Bears were omnivorous, so even if trainers became sparse it was likely to get by.
"Hey you know, there won't always be trainers to just let you have food right? This is the busy season sure, but if you don't find a water hole for fish, or some good berry bushes or something, eventually someone is going to decide they want to run off with you." She told the teddiursa matter-of-factly, awake enough now to scan it with her Pokedex.
|
|
|
8,797 posts
|
16 likes
|
May 15, 2024 13:06:05 GMT
|
Administrator
|
Post by DataNinja on Oct 4, 2019 22:42:55 GMT
"Teddiursa, the Little Bear Pokémon," Bea's 'Dex reads out, as the Teddiursa finishes up the apple, and begins licking its paws, "If it finds honey, its crescent mark glows. It always licks its paws because they are soaked with honey. Every set of paws tastes unique."
The bear shrugs at the girl's accusations and, now sated, begins to toddle its way back into the brush.
|
|
|
6,670 posts
|
92 likes
|
I'm not going to say it was damage, but it was damage.
|
May 15, 2024 21:00:37 GMT
|
Member
|
Post by Robot on Oct 4, 2019 23:01:17 GMT
"Fine, don't learn your lesson, I could have taught you a really great way to forage but that's work." Beatrice mumbled and grumbled under her breath about 'reinforcing bad behaviors' and 'willful ignorance'. She couldn't be too hard on it, Pokemon were often a product of their environment or upbringing, but anyone flaunting that sort of passive dismissal of betterment and learning really got under her skin. Had it been a human, she might have even gotten heated about the whole thing.
It was early yet, but Petalburg wasn't so far away now, she'd do her training when she arrived so it was fresh in her Pokemon's minds when she went to challenge the gym. There was a flutter of butterflies in her stomach over the idea. She'd never considered challenging the gyms before. For all her booksmarts she didn't have that 'gut instinct' that she'd witnessed with veteran battlers on television. How they'd make a call that seemed less than ideal, but paid off in spades. Maybe some of that was inner spirit, an aura, or their bond with Pokemon. It was too soon to tell.
|
|
|
8,797 posts
|
16 likes
|
May 15, 2024 13:06:05 GMT
|
Administrator
|
Post by DataNinja on Oct 4, 2019 23:14:08 GMT
It's about midday when she finally gets into Petalburg city - though it'd been in sight for a fair bit longer than that. Unlike Oldale, Littleroot, or Fallarbor, this is a proper city. Not as much as the pictures she's seen of Rustboro or Lilycove, but still more than any other place. Buildings rise up several stories, and are much more modern than those back in Oldale. But there's still concessions to nature all about - ponds (some with fountains), trees, and just various green spaces.
Getting closer to the city center starts to clog up the streets with people and some vehicles, though. It's a place big enough to require some transit, but at least isn't impossible to walk anywhere. It just takes time.
The Pokémon Center that she eventually is able to make her way to has a nice Training area out back, with plenty of space - some other Trainers are there, too, sparring on punching bags with their Machop, or having their Growlithe catch frisbees, or other more battle-oriented styles. She has more than enough room for her own Pokémon to spread out, though.
It seems like her newest catch isn't exactly a big fan of her metal research assistant, though, and stays far away from the Magnemite. While Limul mostly just happily skitters around, Tempu seems to try and impress the Cutiefly with martial arts and flexing, who seems to be having none of that. She seems mostly exasperated with his attempts.
|
|
|
6,670 posts
|
92 likes
|
I'm not going to say it was damage, but it was damage.
|
May 15, 2024 21:00:37 GMT
|
Member
|
Post by Robot on Oct 4, 2019 23:32:12 GMT
The family was growing larger and more dysfunctional, she realized with a slight roll of her eyes and a smile. "Tempu, leave Bylii alone, this is training time you can flirt later. I'll be relying on the two of you today in the gym, I think. Not sure if the rules allow for undersized teams or not, I probably should have read up before getting this far." She commented aloud to herself. "Solenoid will you please come here." An exasperated laugh followed. A bunch of characters, the lot of them. About the time Limul disappeared into the little pool in the training area and startled another trainer, she decided she was done for the morning.
Embarrassed and apologizing profusely, she set off to check the Gym's hours of operation and rules.
|
|
|
8,797 posts
|
16 likes
|
May 15, 2024 13:06:05 GMT
|
Administrator
|
Post by DataNinja on Oct 4, 2019 23:52:54 GMT
After wrangling everyone back together, Bea and her team head for the Petalburg gym. And Petal is right, as a vast garden of multicoloured flowers spreads out to either side of the pathway and around the Gym. It looks like it'd be a lot of work to keep it looking nice. The building itself also has an image of a vast field of sunflowers painted on the sides, looking to stretch off into the distance.
Entering the Gym, she can immediately tell that the scent of flowers is even heavier on the air than it was outside. On a statue to one side of the entrance is an inscription:
"Petalburg Gym Maisy, the Lady of Flowers There's always room for your potential to bloom."
Standing on the other side is a girl, who curtseys as Bea enters. "Welcome, challenger, to the Petalburg Gym. Am I correct that this is your first challenge, given that it's that time again?" After an affirmative answer, and a display of Bea's ID, the girl nods. "Excellent, I will lay out the rules that are mostly standard throughout the Gyms of the region, which this Gym follows. Each challenger is able to use three Pokémon - two out at one time, with a third in reserve. You do not need to declare which Pokémon you are using until it comes time to first release them. The battle will end when either all three of one side are knocked out, or the challenger forfeits. You will also need this." She walks over to behind the statue, and brings out a thin silver case, which she hands to Bea. "This is a League Issue badge case. It will keep your badges secure, and also allow you to boost your Pokémon with the power of them if you so choose. There's a slip of paper inside explaining exactly how to do that when it comes time. Do you have any further questions, or are you prepared to move on to the Gym Leader?"
|
|
|
6,670 posts
|
92 likes
|
I'm not going to say it was damage, but it was damage.
|
May 15, 2024 21:00:37 GMT
|
Member
|
Post by Robot on Oct 5, 2019 0:09:55 GMT
"No, you've answered all of my questions very efficiently, thank you." Beatrice takes the case between both hands. Was this a receptionist? Maybe a flower club member? She'd heard a lot of the gyms had secondary pursuits and followings that lead people to work with them. "I am as ready as I would expect to be, only a few days into my journey."
The league had always seemed pretty straightforward to her. Pokemon naturally grew stronger through conflict, so trainers working in concert with their teams ended up with strong teams and eventually went as far as they could. On paper, it was A + B = C. In practice, there was a lot more to it then that. The end result of the league was more then the sum of its parts, the saying probably was.
|
|
|
8,797 posts
|
16 likes
|
May 15, 2024 13:06:05 GMT
|
Administrator
|
Post by DataNinja on Oct 5, 2019 1:19:12 GMT
"Alright, well, good luck!" the girl says, waving her in through a set of double doors. Doors which seem to lead into, well, a flower field, much like the ones outside - though there's a rectangle in the center with only red flowers on one half, and only blue on the other. Flowery fairies flit faintly across floral areas, tending to the blooms, but scatter once Bea steps inside. Lamps overhead make the temperature even hotter than it was outside, though fans somewhere create a gentle breeze. Standing on the other side is a tall girl with long flaxen hair in a braid going down her back. She's in a very light green summer dress, with a parasol sheltering her from the sun lamps above. "Welcome, challenger," she calls, in a soft voice. "I am Maisy. I am happy that I get to be the one to introduce you to the League. There is only one first, and it often shapes how you grow. I'm sure that you have much potential, which we will try and show today." She grins as she tosses out two Pokémon, both sproutlike in shape - a Budew, and a Petilil. "No matter what happens, you will grow some from this. Show me what you've got!"It is Sunny out. Map
|
|
|
6,670 posts
|
92 likes
|
I'm not going to say it was damage, but it was damage.
|
May 15, 2024 21:00:37 GMT
|
Member
|
Post by Robot on Oct 5, 2019 1:51:41 GMT
"Pleased to meet you Miss Maisy! I'm Beatrice Labrasta, and I'll show you my Pokemon's potential today, more then my own. My talents are more to the sciences and thought, but the league will be a means to an end." Similarly releasing a pair of Pokemon herself, a fluttering vain ladybug, and a dew-eyed bee-fly.
"Bylii, not all flowers are so receptive to your attentions, you'll need to adjust here. Tempu, you'll need your energy, so we'll build it up on sprouts today." (Beatrice binds Iterative Evolution. Both Pokemon have +1 Evasion from Insect Utility).
"Tempu, Bug Bite, Bylii, Struggle Bug!" Pokemon flitting together almost in tandem, the Ledian grips and bites the Petalil, aggressively gnawing on it, the Cutiefly loosing a swarm of glowing lights, like a horde of fireflies between it and Budew.
(Bug Bite deals 38 Bug Physical, and consumes a Digestion Buff if one is present. Struggle Bug deals 32 Bug Special and lowers Budew's Special Attack by 1 stage. Both Pokemon gain 5 DR.)
|
|
|
8,797 posts
|
16 likes
|
May 15, 2024 13:06:05 GMT
|
Administrator
|
Post by DataNinja on Oct 5, 2019 2:06:11 GMT
The Petilil seems rather the worse for wear after the biting attack, but the Budew appears to be still standing strong. "An impressive opening," Maisy says, "but can you take advantage of it in time?" She twirls her parasol around. "My Pokémon take their power from the earth and the sky. Together, a potent combination."Both of the Grass-Types seem to concentrate, taking in energy from the sunlight, as well as briefly extending roots into the ground. They're still just as damaged, but their appendages glow with power... so probably best to not get hit by them. There's also a shield formed around them by the flowers and the ground, helping to lessen attacks. Petilil takes 2 injuries from Bug Bite. It's super effective! Budew is hit by Struggle Bug. Petilil gains +2 Attack CS, +2 Special Attack CS, and +10 DR from Growth. Budew gains +2 Attack CS, +2 Special Attack CS, and +5 DR from Growth.
|
|
|
6,670 posts
|
92 likes
|
I'm not going to say it was damage, but it was damage.
|
May 15, 2024 21:00:37 GMT
|
Member
|
Post by Robot on Oct 5, 2019 2:45:20 GMT
"Adaptive is what bug Pokemon are all about, found everywhere but the coldest points in the arctic!" She declared boldly. "I see your grass-type Pokemon respond well under stress, so more of the same just won't do. Tempu, Light Screen, Bylii, reposition to engage the softer target of the two." The Ledian let out a 'Beh!', before a shimmering wall of light came up around it and Bylii. The Cutiefly moves as instructed and looses another cone of insect-like lights at the Petalil this time.
(Focused Orders this round. Tempu uses Light Screen, Bylii uses Struggle Bug for 28 Special Bug Damage on Petalil).
|
|
|
8,797 posts
|
16 likes
|
May 15, 2024 13:06:05 GMT
|
Administrator
|
Post by DataNinja on Oct 5, 2019 3:12:01 GMT
The Petilil falls as the screen of energy rises, but the Budew isn't shaken. It moves into the center of Bea's two Pokémon, and lets out a piercing sonic cry. It's not the strongest, even boosted by the sun, but it still shakes the two - especially Bylli. "Good, good teamwork so far," Maisy says, "But let's add a blooming flower to the mix." She releases a cactus with two tall ears, that gives a bow of its own to the field. Petilil faints from Struggle Bug. Ledian takes 12 damage from round. Cutiefly takes 24 damage from Round.
|
|
|
6,670 posts
|
92 likes
|
I'm not going to say it was damage, but it was damage.
|
May 15, 2024 21:00:37 GMT
|
Member
|
Post by Robot on Oct 5, 2019 10:22:46 GMT
The shimmering wall of light protects Bylii from the attack (12 Damage instead of 24, -1 Charge on Light Screen).
"Oh, that one is kind of cute even." There was a lot of respect for a well adapted Pokemon no matter its typing. The cactus before her looked to have a tough outer skin to conserve moisture, thorns to keep grazing animals away and the most curious OwO sort of expression about it.
"Tempu, positions please." She called, the ladybug disengaging around the Budew to line up an attack. Pulling back, he dive-bombed the little plant full force, shoving it next to its peer. "Bylii, follow up with Struggle Bug on the pair." Disengaging a square south, the Fly Bee loosed still another swarm cloud of glowing projectiles, catching Budew and Maractus both in the blast.
(2 AP spent. Ledian disengages 1 East, Tackle connects shoving Budew South 2 Squares and deals 27 Normal Physical. Cutiefly Disengages 1 South and uses Struggle Bug in a Cone 2, hitting Budew for 32 Bug Special and -1 SPA CS, and Maractus for 28 Bug Special and -1 SpA CS. Cutiefly gains 5 DR)
|
|
|
8,797 posts
|
16 likes
|
May 15, 2024 13:06:05 GMT
|
Administrator
|
Post by DataNinja on Oct 5, 2019 16:41:30 GMT
"Very clever," Maisy admits, as the Ladybug flexes before pushing the little bud into the path of its compatriot's attack, where it falls under the assault. The plant seems to have pricked the insect as it tried it, though, leaving some toxins in Tempu's system. "But, you're still not finished yet. Things may not be looking good for me, but you always have to keep tending things to make sure they turn out well. Otherwise you might just be surprised." The Maractus twirls in between the two bugs, before letting out a raucous harmony, causing a fair amount of damage, especially to the fragile beefly. But, nothing falls. Budew Faints is hit by Tackle. Ledian is poisoned from Poison Point. Budew Faints from Struggle Bug. Maractus is hit by Struggle Bug. It's super effective! Ledian takes 25 damage and an injury from Round. Cutiefly takes 31 damage and 2 injuries from Round.
|
|
|
6,670 posts
|
92 likes
|
I'm not going to say it was damage, but it was damage.
|
May 15, 2024 21:00:37 GMT
|
Member
|
Post by Robot on Oct 5, 2019 17:17:22 GMT
"Preparation often sees better results then mindfulness, having the tools and abilities you require before hand, instead of reacting to things as they come. You've likely seen this with your Grass Pokemon." Beatrice replied politely. "Go ahead and finish it off you two, you've done very well today."
Once again the shield of light ripples around Bylii before dispersing, the two setting upon the Maractus together. (34 Bug Physical and 31 Bug Special).
|
|