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Post by DataNinja on Jul 31, 2020 17:15:53 GMT
"Oh, okay," he says, relaxing a bit. "Sorry, I didn't mean to imply that you would, just... I really, really don't want to go back. And just wanted to make that clear." He sheepishly rubs the back of his neck.
"Jasmine..." Where had he heard that name befo- "Oh! She was Steel, right? The one that Omega was thinking we should fight, but I thought that was a bad idea, because we only had bugs and grass and didn't have that much Fire or Poison. I think that was Jasmine. I have fire now, but I don't have poison..." He gets briefly lost on a tangent.
"Uh, anyways, yeah, sure, I'd be happy to meet her. Probably good to make sure that she knows about this stuff, too. Though, uh, if she has the same lack of time to herself as you, I don't know if we should intrude on that..."
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6,670 posts
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I'm not going to say it was damage, but it was damage.
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Apr 27, 2024 17:48:03 GMT
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Post by Robot on Jul 31, 2020 17:50:21 GMT
"Poison wouldn't have helped you against steel, fire, ground and fighting would be ideal, but yes that Jasmine. She is the gym leader of Olivine, and the keeper of the lighthouse and its Ampharos." Whitney instructed as she guided Thel back to the gym. Inside was well air conditioned, the receptionist informing the pair that Jasmine was in a battle currently, and they could watch from the observation deck until it was done if they were so inclined. She'd pass word along to Jasmine, when it was over.
"What do you want to do Thel? I know the fighting part isn't really your thing."
Investigating the call for help training a Pokemon, the girls find themselves outside of a decent sized home on the outskirts of town. Knocking or ringing the bell brings a haggard looking man to the door, abrasions across his face, forearms, and any other point of exposed skin. "Can I help you?" There is a guttural noise from in the house, and a hot wind accompanied by flecks of sand billows past him.
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Post by DataNinja on Jul 31, 2020 18:00:32 GMT
"Huh, what do you mean?" Thel asks, confused. "Why wouldn't poison help? That was always the best way for us to take down a troublesome Steel type. Poison it, and then run away while the poison worked at its body. They tended to be really mean to fight straight-up."
"Uh... might as well watch," he says. "I haven't actually seen how, well, how regular people do this sort of stuff, so, it'll probably be an interesting experience to see at least once."
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Apr 27, 2024 14:22:13 GMT
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Post by birdy51 on Jul 31, 2020 21:44:50 GMT
“We’re to solve your issues with the thing that’s causing issues.” Crossing her arms, Muku continues. “You wrote on paper that you needed someone to get your Pokémon to stop being rude. We’re here to stop your Pokémon from being rude.”
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Post by Greenwolfkate on Jul 31, 2020 22:46:01 GMT
When the door was answered Terra watched him closely seeing the shape he was in. A mess, this clearly had to be the one looking for help. Right? Her internal question answered by the sound that came from inside.
"What she said. We asked around for these 'jobs'. Was told about pokemon not obeying. Being awful," she stated. "You are the one that needed help right? We get the pokemon to behave and you'll pay us?"
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6,670 posts
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92 likes
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I'm not going to say it was damage, but it was damage.
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Apr 27, 2024 17:48:03 GMT
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Post by Robot on Aug 1, 2020 0:08:42 GMT
"Thel... I don't know anything about the kind of Pokemon you were, but the Steel typing is immune to all known forms of poison, at least here in Johto. It shrugs off most things save incredible blunt force trauma. Jasmine's signature is immune to both poison and electricity, so most forms of Paralysis won't effect it either." Whitney explained as the pair moved up to the observation deck, where Thel could clearly see Omega in his jacket and aggressive posturing opposite a petite girl with long brown hair and bright eyes in a simple pale dress. Two short, pointy hair ornaments were pinned near the back of her head, giving her some accent.
"Omega, this is your fourth challenge this week, and you have brought the same Pokemon to bear each time. Have you been resting them? Making sure they have time to heal, and relax?" The boy folded his arms, expression unapologetic. "They won't get stronger if they aren't pushed." The answer was clearly not what Jasmine wanted, Thel could see it in the way her posture stiffened and her head turned down and to the side just-so. "They won't find themselves any stronger for lasting injury either. Being a strong trainer means knowing your limits, which you clearly do not. If you don't defeat me today, I don't want to see you here again."
Whitney's brow rose in surprise and she whispered softly. "Oooh wow, she's pissed. Some of us might tell a trainer to come back when they've another badge, or when they've gotten stronger... she's just going to outright refuse him."
"Oh thank god... Sandy's just been awful since she evolved. Can't get her to listen for anything. She's gotten dirt into every little corner of the house, destroyed some of my best furniture... She used to be so well behaved. We pampered her constantly, I even kept getting her the candies she liked so much when they were at a premium..." There was another deep grunt, and what sounded like a heavy body moving through shattered wood and fabric.
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Post by DataNinja on Aug 1, 2020 0:16:53 GMT
"Ohhh... okay... that- that's not something I'm used to. I'm used to just... being able to poison everything..." Thel's head's spinning. Everything he knows about this stuff is apparently a lie. "I... I think I'm going to need to figure out the basics again, then..." he shakes his head. "Since clearly what I thought I knew wasn't true."
He notices that he recognises the challenger. "He won't accept anything weaker than the bluntest of replies," Thel says, sighing. "It took some cajoling to even get him to start heading towards your Gym instead. Because I knew we didn't have the strength to beat Steel. He just wanted to face the strongest that he could. I'm... at least glad to know that he's okay, after running off. That nobody's been able to take him away. Even if his actions can be infuriating sometimes, I wouldn't wish that on anybody. But I should have known he'd end up here..."
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6,670 posts
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92 likes
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I'm not going to say it was damage, but it was damage.
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Apr 27, 2024 17:48:03 GMT
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Post by Robot on Aug 1, 2020 0:59:39 GMT
"I don't know, what kind of Pokemon were you? I can check my Pokedex when we get done here, it is kind of loud and I wouldn't want to disturb the gym."
"Bastion, I choose you!" With a bellow, an absolutely massive serpent made of gleaming metal with broad spikes jutting from its sides appeared before the very petite girl. Omega's Absol is his first choice, though it has grown, it is much worse for the week's wear. There is some spirit there, but that seems to be the only thing carrying it, a shared will to be an Alpha that its trainer holds so dear. Time and again it blitzes the steel monster, only to have its blows not find purchase. Likewise, the lumbering Pokemon for all the hardiness of its body can't seem to connect with the small and agile quadruped.
"Bastion, Rock Polish. No more games." A sheen rippled along Steelix's form, a silvery light shedding from every point and corner until its luster was something worthy of jewelry.
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Post by DataNinja on Aug 1, 2020 1:05:03 GMT
"Oh, I'm sorry," he flushes. "I thought I'd mentioned it a few times before. I was a Salandit. A kind of lizard."
"Whooooah…" he breathes, attention captured as the serpent appears. "That is massive. Even larger than the snakes made of rocks. I think maybe that whale that took Terra away is the only thing bigger that I've ever seen..."
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6,670 posts
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92 likes
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I'm not going to say it was damage, but it was damage.
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Apr 27, 2024 17:48:03 GMT
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Post by Robot on Aug 1, 2020 1:14:01 GMT
"I might've forgotten, too, to be fair. I'm a city girl, we don't see too many lizards you know." Whitney smiled as she watched the battle unfold. "Oh, you saw an Onix? Steelix evolves from it, actually a fairly recent discovery. Bastion is Jasmine's signature, and she often leads with him." She drifts off to silence again, watching the massive serpent disappear into the floor at a much more impressive speed, the fins along its body spinning like a drill as it physically pulls itself backwards into the ground to avoid an attack.
Tearing free of the ground behind the Absol, it exhales a column of blue fire across the Dark-Type, which causes it to collapse. The remainder of Omega's team doesn't do much better, one by one breaking themselves against the near impenetrable defense of the monstrous metal snake. When the dust settles, the floor is well full of holes. Omega doesn't so much as congratulate the gym leader, nor respond to her calls. Returning his last Pokemon, he strikes the metal doors loudly and storms out.
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Post by DataNinja on Aug 1, 2020 1:19:02 GMT
"I'm sure he'll be fine," Thel reassures Whitney. "He always bounces back. Nothing keeps him down for long... sometimes unfortunately. For better or worse, he never gives up on something when he puts his mind to it."
A thought does occur to him. "Do... do you think it's a good idea to go and talk to Jasmine now, when she's angry? That seems like a very, very bad idea."
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6,670 posts
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92 likes
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I'm not going to say it was damage, but it was damage.
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Apr 27, 2024 17:48:03 GMT
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Post by Robot on Aug 1, 2020 1:28:22 GMT
"When I'm in a bad mood, time with friends always cheers me up. Besides, Jasmine is really cool. She's one of those girls that takes a ton to actually wear on her patience, and everything is compartmentalized. She's mad at Omega, not you. What's the point in being grumpy with everybody because one person was being a butt? Come on, let's go chat with her! Jasmine!" Whitney whooped and waved from the stands, getting the retreating girl's attention before she could fully turn away from her side of the field. There was a pause, a look of recognition, a wave and a smile. "Yeah! Let's go!"
Back down through the lobby, and around the field, Whitney and Thel meet Jasmine. The girls hug fondly. "Sorry you had to see that, not my best moment." The smaller girl admitted sheepishly, looking between the head-taller Whitney, and Thel who was about her height. "Who's your new friend?"
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Post by DataNinja on Aug 1, 2020 1:42:27 GMT
"It's okay," Thel says. "He needed to hear it, and I'm sure he'll dust himself off and be back at training and stuff by morning. Takes a lot to get him down. And, uh, I'm Thel. Thel Lucasta. I dunno if you were one of the Gym Leaders Morty told about us or not. It's nice to meet you, Jasmine. Or would you prefer Miss Jasmine, or Lady Jasmine? Or something else, Madeline got me a little bit on edge about that stuff." He's a little bit nervous and rambly.
"Uh, anyways, I was enrolling in the Charm School here, and needed to pick up makeup and stuff, and Whitney mentioned that you might like to come along shopping to help pick out those supplies."
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Post by Greenwolfkate on Aug 1, 2020 3:55:54 GMT
Evolution? That could certainly explain it. Stronger, means needing more discipline. A frown forming at hearing that they had spoiled before giving a shake of her head, though she didn't comment on that just yet.
The sound of the grunt and movement brought her attention from the man in front of them. "Well. Have you taken any steps to make her not be like that? Also I guess... lets see her?" Terra states glancing to Muku. What pokemon exactly were they gonna deal with she wondered.
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Post by birdy51 on Aug 1, 2020 11:45:25 GMT
Pampered? Pokémon? Could they be pampered? She thought about that question for a second. Well, yeah, they could. Like all Pokémon who could see humans on occasions, she wasn't completely unaware that some Pokémon tended to be treated better by their trainers. Dim memories of watching campers alongside their trusted partners faded in and out of view. Looking back now, she didn't really understand why she was terrified of getting caught. No wait, getting caught meant one less for the nest. One less to keep each other safe. You could treat a Pokémon very well and they could always get stronger. But that didn't stop it from being painful for those left behind.
These thoughts were suspiciously morbid for Muku, so she quickly folded away and got back to the task at hand.
Bringing the world back into focus, her ears twitch at the groaning sound of floorboards and shattered branches. No. Furniture? Branches, furniture, same thing. Probably. "She sounds big." Muku adds contemplatively. Maybe a little too big for a house?
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6,670 posts
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I'm not going to say it was damage, but it was damage.
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Apr 27, 2024 17:48:03 GMT
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Post by Robot on Aug 1, 2020 17:50:54 GMT
Jasmine's eyes and smile both brightened. "Oh I like him..." She comments in a soft voice to Whitney, who beamed. "I know right? Surprising that a Pokemon would be the most respectful guy you'd ever meet?" They giggled between them, though Jasmine's petered out much sooner and she folded her hands in front of her waist. "You can just call me Jas. My friends do, more formal titles are for teachers. Full names for fellow students while on campus. The instructors tend to prefer Miss, as you don't know their marital status."
Jasmine stoically considered the still partially full stands for a moment, before gesturing for the pair to follow her into the ready room where she prepares for her challenges. "Why the secrecy Jas, nobody's going to care." Whitney probed to which the shorter girl answered; "Some of us get really loud when they're excited." Whitney folded her arms in a huff and broke eye contact. "Jeez Jasmine, you could have tried to keep it down."
"Yes, Miss Lucasta, I was one of the gym leaders informed of the strange situation you find yourself in. I have good news, and a strong word of caution with some bad to follow it." Jasmine offered the boy a sympathetic smile, gesturing to one of several seats in the room. Whitney folded her arms and leaned against the wall. "Chuck, the leader of Cianwood across the water, is keeping watch on your friends. They washed ashore, battered but no worse for wear some time early last week. If Courtney had not been clear how much their health and well being concerned you, I wouldn't be telling you this."
"Why not?!" The pink haired girl burst loudly, throwing her hands up. "Thel's been worried sick!"
"Whitney, what is the difference between Thel, and Omega?" "What does that have to do with anything?!" "I'm trying to teach you something, think." "This is dumb!" "Whitney." "Okay! Okay! Jeez... I don't know, Thel tries to read the room a little better?" "Thel has restraint. So with that good news, the bad. You cannot go to them Thel. Team Aqua is still at large, and is the most dangerous on the water. They rebuked Chuck's attempt to rout them. Take your time at the school, enjoy yourself. Your friends are safe."
The stricken man leads the girls into his living room, where a very round... thing... with four stumpy legs, a big head, and dark red eyes laid amidst the remnants of what must have been one of those strange perches the Pokemon center had for humans to stick their butts against. It was mostly gray along its back and nose, with similar gray feet... a series of holes riddling its back. It looks to be too large to fit through any of the entryways or exits. Letting out another guttural burp-like sound, it turns its back on the trio.
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Post by DataNinja on Aug 1, 2020 18:19:05 GMT
"Okay, good to know. Thank you... Jas." Using something other than her full name feels weird, but he can deal with it. He follows the conversation, not really wanting to interrupt the friends, until they seem to be done. He does beam at the compliments, though. Even after a few weeks, he's still not used to them.
"Thank you for letting me know. Courtney had mentioned that they were okay, at least they were when I'd seen her, but I didn't know more than that. I'm glad that they're still okay, and that they have someone looking out for them. If Aqua couldn't best them before, I have no worries for them now." He gives Jasmine a smile. "Besides," he laughs, "I figure I'd probably be more of a hinderance than anything else. I just slow them down."
"Oh!" he remembers, looking to Whitney. "You said something about doing something but not while the battle was going on? To see if we could figure out why I was all wrong about poison and stuff?"
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6,670 posts
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92 likes
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I'm not going to say it was damage, but it was damage.
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Post by Robot on Aug 1, 2020 18:40:37 GMT
"One pair of hands can make all the difference." Jasmine replied serenely. "Oh right!" Whitney produces a small red handheld device and flips it open. "Salandit?" "Entry not found." "Huh... Jasmine do you know anything about Steel types being poisoned?"
"I haven't seen it myself, but I've heard of it. There's a small black and purple reptile with toxins so powerful it will actually eat through the skin of a steel type. They are exceptionally rare outside of Alola, Kanto and Johto don't have the proper natural habitat for them as our volcanic activity is extremely slim." "Oooh neat!"
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Post by DataNinja on Aug 1, 2020 18:50:34 GMT
"Yep, that sounds about right!" Thel says, nodding. "I... didn't realize that our toxins were unusual, though. I guess that's why I had that all wrong." A thought occurs to him. "So... wait," he asks, grinning. "Are you saying that I came from really far away? Oh, that actually makes me feel so much better. I didn't really realize it, but there was this weight on by shoulders, of worrying that one day I might realize that I missed home, and that I'd just... want to go back. Despite how much I really, really don't right now. But I can't even, now! And I'll probably never see a Salandit ever again! No need to worry about reminders of home!" He's jubilant right now.
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6,670 posts
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92 likes
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I'm not going to say it was damage, but it was damage.
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Apr 27, 2024 17:48:03 GMT
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Post by Robot on Aug 2, 2020 0:05:40 GMT
"What was it like, being a Pokemon?" Jasmine asks with a gentle thoughtfulness. "It is something I am sure so many humans dream about doing, but none have the slightest inkling of what it would be like. Pokemon are so different." She comments, tapping her cheek. "Bastion has always been so stoic. Content to have company, content to not have company... Prone to long periods of quiet stillness. I'm a little envious. People always seem so quick to jump to decisions."
The small girl's attention slides to the door they'd come from. Whitney bounces her head a little side to side, and seems to decide she likes the line of questioning, and listens intently.
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