Post by Raven on Mar 21, 2016 3:50:00 GMT
Notice: Please keep all OOC stuff and campaign design suggestions to the appropriate threads.\
(As the introduction post is 8 pages long, it will be posted in chunks under spoiler tags.*)
(Part 1 - Introduction)
"Welcome to the world of Pokémon," Professor Blue Oak says with great lackluster, like he's reading from a script that he's not even invested in.
Looking around the Oak Pokémon Laboratory of Pallet, you see the place slowly falling into ruin. Not actively, per se, but surely enough, like an unending battle that the lab is ever so slowly losing, until one day it will probably close its doors for good. Layers of dust, some of them impressively thick, make their home atop lab equipment that hasn't been used in years. One light flickers on and off, doing nothing to make the place feel more comfortable or inviting. Faded puddles of different colored evaporated liquids, some still sticky when walked upon or touched, lay in proud defiance upon the tables and floor, proof that no one even attempted to clean up their mess. A crooked photograph of the lab's previous owner, Samuel Oak, hangs on one of the walls. It must be a recent photo, because dear old Professor Oak's hair is stark-white. His skin is well-tanned and he appears to be somewhere tropical, judging by the background of the photo. The black band across one corner of the frame, however, indicates that dear old Professor Oak has departed this world and is no longer with us.
Which brings your attention back to the new Professor Oak - Blue, Samuel's grandson. In many ways, Blue Oak is a living reflection of his slowly decaying lab. His long, spiky hair has gone gray from just below the temples on down, and the deep bags under his eyes contrast with his pale skin to tell a story of years and years of stress. His lab coat, dotted with various faded stains, has small rips and tears in it that he hasn't even bothered to try and fix. Oak continues with his speech, rattling lines off almost without thought, a sign that he has given this speech many times before but with a demeanor that no longer carries any passion in the words themselves.
"If you're here today," he sighs, staring off somewhere while he speaks, "then it's safe to assume that you are all of the required age of at least fifteen, in accordance with the Pokémon League's new rules and regulations, which stipulate that, if you want to travel alone without a guardian who is at least eighteen years old, then you must become certified by a Pokémon Professor at the age of at least fifteen."
He rests his head in one of his hands.
"If you are not at least fifteen years old, please leave and return when you have reached the appropriate age."
He waits for anyone to get up and leave, looking like he's about to fall asleep in the process. After what seems like forever, Oak reaches into a nearby desk drawer and pulls out a shiny blue disc. He inserts it into some sort of player and then pulls a remote control from his coat, which he uses to dim the lights, lower a projector screen, and start a video on the disc.
"All new Trainers are required to see this video for historical purposes," Oak says in the flattest monotone possible. "The video is five years old this year." He then sits down, crosses his arms, and closes his eyes, apparently taking this time with the lights off to take a quick nap.
(Part 2 - The Video)
The video begins. As the footage fades in from black, so does the audio. The first thing that can be heard is the powerful roar of a truly massive crowd. As the video gets brighter and comes into focus, it becomes apparent that this is rare footage of the main arena of the Pokémon League's facility on the Indigo Plateau, the arena reserved for League Champion matches.
"And we're back," says a disembodied voice. "If you're just joining us, we're currently viewing the spectacle of a lifetime as League Champion Lance, 'The Dragon Trainer', defends his title against the relatively unknown newcomer Lilith, who has recently enjoyed what could only be described as a meteoric rise to the top, blasting through all of Kanto's Gyms with a speed and power unlike anything that has ever been seen before, completely shattering the records set by Trainers Red and Blue nearly thirty years ago.
"Lance has enjoyed an unbroken thirty-year reign as League Champion ever since the legendary Trainers Red and Blue defeated the Dragon Trainer. If you don't know your history, it was thirty years ago that Trainer Blue, grandson of renowned Pokémon Professor Samuel Oak, proved victorious over the undefeated Trainers Lorelei, Bruno, Agatha, and Lance, becoming Kanto's first Champion and filling that coveted fifth spot for the first time in the Indigo Plateau trophy room. However, Blue's reign was short-lived indeed, for Trainer Red arrived and cleared the Elite Four that same day, defeating Champion Blue as well and claiming the title of Champion for himself. Then, in a move that was so surprising that it earned a spot in our schools' history books, Trainer Red vacated the throne, handed the title back to Lance, and faded into obscurity. Blue never challenged the decision and these days Red's whereabouts are unknown, so Lance has successfully defended the title as the League's Champion since that day, proving that he did, indeed, deserve the position by re-defeating his fellow Elite Four members and his replacement Karen. But this skilled newcomer Lilith is sure to give him a good challenge."
The Trainers, who have entered the arena by now, are introduced by the announcer.
"The following match is for the status of League Champion. It will be a full six-on-six battle with no time limit, and both Trainers are allowed substitutions at any time. The battle is over when all six of a Trainer's Pokémon are knocked out or a Trainer gives up. Defending his title, hailing from Blackthorn City in Johto, your Champion, Lance!"
The crowd erupts with cheers. The thousands of adoring fans are chomping at the bit to see an epic match, and they know they won't be disappointed. If there are any boos coming from the crowd, they are drowned out by the cheers. Lance turns and waves at the crowd, further pumping them up. His trademark outfit - a deep blue suit with orange and black accents coupled with a black cape with a dark red lining - looks better on him now than it ever has, the colors going well with his graying head of hair. He looks more dignified now near the age of fifty than he did in his youth.
"And the challenger, hailing from parts unknown, Lilith!"
One or two cheers ring out, but they are drowned out by the cacophony of boos that erupts from the rest of the crowd. Lilith seems unfazed by it all, like she doesn't even hear it. She stands there with perfect poise in her outfit of black frills, white lace, and black and white ribbons, her long hair beginning purple in color near her scalp and fading into a dark brown that transitions into a light brown at the strand's end, her golden-colored eyes and pale porcelain skin doing their part as well to complete the picture of a meek young girl, certainly not the image one would expect of a person who defeated all of Kanto's gyms with little to no effort.
"Competitors, send out your Pokémon in three ... two ... one ... now!"
(Part 3 - Battle Begins!)
(Part 4 - Down to Five)
(Part 5 - What happens next?)
(Part 6 - Surprise!)
(Part 7 - Mystery Pokemon Appears!)
(Part 8 - Aftermath)
Not only is the powered-up Milotic still there, but it doesn't have a scratch on it whatsoever. The attack did nothing. Lance would likely be stunned, awestruck by such resilience, but he is dealing with another problem. As the camera zooms way in, it is revealed that, floating in the air all by itself, is some kind of small, thin sword. It is poised to slice Lance's jugular vein, and he is holding extremely still as he watches it with paralyzing fear.
"Submit," says Lilith, who has her hand outstretched.
"I - I give up," Lance stammers.
Lilith lowers her hand and the sword lowers itself to the ground.
"Ladies and gentlemen," the announcer says too quietly. "We have a new Champion. It's the challenger Lilith."
Moans and wails of protest begin to ring out from the crowd.
"Things are going to change around here," Lilith can be heard saying.
Lance hangs his head in shame and drops to his knees, and then the video cuts out.
(Part 9 - Epilogue)
"So that's it," Oak says, ejecting the disc and putting it away. "You probably learned about it in your classes. That's actual footage of the day Champion Lilith came into power and began making changes to the region's laws and statutes. As you probably already know, the Pokémon League Champion is the ultimate authority of the region, able to make and repeal laws, and has final say on anything posed by the smaller day-to-day government organizations. She quickly put into place the laws and standards we live by today, including the rule that beginning Trainers must be at least fifteen in order to travel alone, which was originally allowed by ten years of age.
"She also brought about sweeping changes to the Gym scene. Gym Leaders are all expected to fight alongside their Pokémon now, should the challenging Trainer express interest in such a thing. It's called an Advanced Gym Challenge, and it's a way for powerful Trainers with weak to middling Pokémon to still possibly beat a Gym Leader. As Trainers of fifteen years or older, the option is there for you, should you want it, but I think it's dangerous and I advise against it. Even adults get badly hurt attempting an Advanced Gym Challenge. Of course, if you ever think you've got what it takes to challenge Lilith in a battle for the championship, you have no choice. She made a rule that makes Trainer participation mandatory in battles against the Elite Four or herself. She has made the top battles of the region about something more than a Trainer's talent at raising Pokémon. Now you must train yourself right alongside your Pokémon team if you ever hope to take on the top five Trainers of Kanto. If you cannot hold your own, you are unlikely to succeed.
"Lilith has been Champion for five years now, and still very little is known about her other than her first name and what she looks like. We also know for certain that her team still has a Ninjask, as it is the only Pokémon we've seen any of since the match with Lance."
He sighs. "It's all she's needed to utterly demolish any challengers. Her other Pokémon could have all changed, including that impossible Mega Milotic, though I doubt she'd part with that one. Some of you may remember the original Elite Four or at least learned about them in class - Lorelei, Bruno, Agatha, and, of course, Lance before he was Champion. All of you should remember the most recent Elite Four - Will, Koga, Bruno, and Karen. You are probably also aware that they were replaced by new Trainers shortly after Lilith came into power - the Psychic-Type Trainer Anya, the Steel-Type Trainer Sorra, the Dark-Type Trainer D'Mara, and the Normal-Type Trainer Genevieve. What you may not know is that the former Elite Four were not replaced without a fight. Will, Koga, Bruno, and Karen all defended their positions, but all of them were defeated by Lilith's Psychic-Type Trainer Anya, even Karen and her powerful Dark-Types. So do not underestimate these new Elite Four members, either. They seem to be prior acquaintances of Lilith's. Old friends, perhaps. As for Lance, well, he's never been the same since his defeat five years ago. He gave up Pokémon training and moved back home to Blackthorn City in Johto. People who have seen him there report that he's a sad sight."
Oak leans back in his chair. "So welcome to the world of Pokémon," he says, almost sarcastically. "If you still want to get out there and adventure, then let's get you set up with a Pokédex and a starter Pokémon. Interested Trainers step forward."
* - GM is not responsible for damage received from Wall-o-Text.
(As the introduction post is 8 pages long, it will be posted in chunks under spoiler tags.*)
(Part 1 - Introduction)
"Welcome to the world of Pokémon," Professor Blue Oak says with great lackluster, like he's reading from a script that he's not even invested in.
Looking around the Oak Pokémon Laboratory of Pallet, you see the place slowly falling into ruin. Not actively, per se, but surely enough, like an unending battle that the lab is ever so slowly losing, until one day it will probably close its doors for good. Layers of dust, some of them impressively thick, make their home atop lab equipment that hasn't been used in years. One light flickers on and off, doing nothing to make the place feel more comfortable or inviting. Faded puddles of different colored evaporated liquids, some still sticky when walked upon or touched, lay in proud defiance upon the tables and floor, proof that no one even attempted to clean up their mess. A crooked photograph of the lab's previous owner, Samuel Oak, hangs on one of the walls. It must be a recent photo, because dear old Professor Oak's hair is stark-white. His skin is well-tanned and he appears to be somewhere tropical, judging by the background of the photo. The black band across one corner of the frame, however, indicates that dear old Professor Oak has departed this world and is no longer with us.
Which brings your attention back to the new Professor Oak - Blue, Samuel's grandson. In many ways, Blue Oak is a living reflection of his slowly decaying lab. His long, spiky hair has gone gray from just below the temples on down, and the deep bags under his eyes contrast with his pale skin to tell a story of years and years of stress. His lab coat, dotted with various faded stains, has small rips and tears in it that he hasn't even bothered to try and fix. Oak continues with his speech, rattling lines off almost without thought, a sign that he has given this speech many times before but with a demeanor that no longer carries any passion in the words themselves.
"If you're here today," he sighs, staring off somewhere while he speaks, "then it's safe to assume that you are all of the required age of at least fifteen, in accordance with the Pokémon League's new rules and regulations, which stipulate that, if you want to travel alone without a guardian who is at least eighteen years old, then you must become certified by a Pokémon Professor at the age of at least fifteen."
He rests his head in one of his hands.
"If you are not at least fifteen years old, please leave and return when you have reached the appropriate age."
He waits for anyone to get up and leave, looking like he's about to fall asleep in the process. After what seems like forever, Oak reaches into a nearby desk drawer and pulls out a shiny blue disc. He inserts it into some sort of player and then pulls a remote control from his coat, which he uses to dim the lights, lower a projector screen, and start a video on the disc.
"All new Trainers are required to see this video for historical purposes," Oak says in the flattest monotone possible. "The video is five years old this year." He then sits down, crosses his arms, and closes his eyes, apparently taking this time with the lights off to take a quick nap.
(Part 2 - The Video)
The video begins. As the footage fades in from black, so does the audio. The first thing that can be heard is the powerful roar of a truly massive crowd. As the video gets brighter and comes into focus, it becomes apparent that this is rare footage of the main arena of the Pokémon League's facility on the Indigo Plateau, the arena reserved for League Champion matches.
"And we're back," says a disembodied voice. "If you're just joining us, we're currently viewing the spectacle of a lifetime as League Champion Lance, 'The Dragon Trainer', defends his title against the relatively unknown newcomer Lilith, who has recently enjoyed what could only be described as a meteoric rise to the top, blasting through all of Kanto's Gyms with a speed and power unlike anything that has ever been seen before, completely shattering the records set by Trainers Red and Blue nearly thirty years ago.
"Lance has enjoyed an unbroken thirty-year reign as League Champion ever since the legendary Trainers Red and Blue defeated the Dragon Trainer. If you don't know your history, it was thirty years ago that Trainer Blue, grandson of renowned Pokémon Professor Samuel Oak, proved victorious over the undefeated Trainers Lorelei, Bruno, Agatha, and Lance, becoming Kanto's first Champion and filling that coveted fifth spot for the first time in the Indigo Plateau trophy room. However, Blue's reign was short-lived indeed, for Trainer Red arrived and cleared the Elite Four that same day, defeating Champion Blue as well and claiming the title of Champion for himself. Then, in a move that was so surprising that it earned a spot in our schools' history books, Trainer Red vacated the throne, handed the title back to Lance, and faded into obscurity. Blue never challenged the decision and these days Red's whereabouts are unknown, so Lance has successfully defended the title as the League's Champion since that day, proving that he did, indeed, deserve the position by re-defeating his fellow Elite Four members and his replacement Karen. But this skilled newcomer Lilith is sure to give him a good challenge."
The Trainers, who have entered the arena by now, are introduced by the announcer.
"The following match is for the status of League Champion. It will be a full six-on-six battle with no time limit, and both Trainers are allowed substitutions at any time. The battle is over when all six of a Trainer's Pokémon are knocked out or a Trainer gives up. Defending his title, hailing from Blackthorn City in Johto, your Champion, Lance!"
The crowd erupts with cheers. The thousands of adoring fans are chomping at the bit to see an epic match, and they know they won't be disappointed. If there are any boos coming from the crowd, they are drowned out by the cheers. Lance turns and waves at the crowd, further pumping them up. His trademark outfit - a deep blue suit with orange and black accents coupled with a black cape with a dark red lining - looks better on him now than it ever has, the colors going well with his graying head of hair. He looks more dignified now near the age of fifty than he did in his youth.
"And the challenger, hailing from parts unknown, Lilith!"
One or two cheers ring out, but they are drowned out by the cacophony of boos that erupts from the rest of the crowd. Lilith seems unfazed by it all, like she doesn't even hear it. She stands there with perfect poise in her outfit of black frills, white lace, and black and white ribbons, her long hair beginning purple in color near her scalp and fading into a dark brown that transitions into a light brown at the strand's end, her golden-colored eyes and pale porcelain skin doing their part as well to complete the picture of a meek young girl, certainly not the image one would expect of a person who defeated all of Kanto's gyms with little to no effort.
"Competitors, send out your Pokémon in three ... two ... one ... now!"
(Part 3 - Battle Begins!)
"Braviary," Lilith says, calmly but quickly, indicating that she already knew for sure how she wanted to begin.
The Valiant Pokémon materializes and immediately takes to the air, enjoying the freedom of movement provided by the arena's incredibly high ceiling. The crowd makes noises indicating their approval of the Flying-Type's blue and red plumage.
"Haxorus, battle time!" Lance shouts.
The pear-colored Axe Jaw Pokémon, complete with its black and red tusks, appears in the air with a roar and lands hard on the ground, an indicator of its great weight, its eyes already locked on and following its opponent. A new addition to Lance's team at the time, Haxorus was available to the Dragon Trainer thanks to the intermingling of the various regions' Pokémon populations. These days, all regions have an equal number of every species, as the diffusion of the many different Pokémon has all but completed. But five years ago, this was still a new phenomenon, and it was not common to see Trainers using Pokémon with origins in other regions. The crowd in the video is understandably in awe of this rare Pokémon from far away Unova.
"Braviary, use Crush Claw," says Lilith.
"Haxorus, Dragon Claw!" shouts Lance.
The two Pokémon’s claws begin to shine and they both charge toward each other until they collide. However, both appear unscathed from the collision.
"Aerial Ace," says Lilith, wasting no time.
The Flying-Type takes to the air once more and then charges down with unpredictable speed, shortly disappearing before impact with Haxorus and reappearing thereafter. Haxorus, with its thick armor appears undaunted by the attack, though.
"Dragon Dance!" Lance shouts.
Haxorus begins to glow a dazzling white.
"Crush Claw again," Lilith commands.
Braviary begins to charge back in at Haxorus, but the Dragon-Type is ready this time.
"Dragon Claw," Lance says with a confident smirk.
Haxorus proves itself to be a lot faster than anyone could have expected, and it manages to lash out and hit Braviary before Crush Claw can even make an impact.
Braviary is hurt but can still fight.
"Double Team, Braviary."
Within a split second, there is another two Braviary on the field, then another two, and another two. This trend continues until there are over thirty Braviary in the air.
"Nice try, Lilith," Lance says, "but you can't fool us. Use Dragon Dance again, Haxorus, and follow it up with Dragon Claw"
Haxorus begins to glow again and, when it delivers its attack, it moves even more quickly than the first time, darting around and swiping its claws through every false Braviary that swoops low enough. Within seconds, half of the extra Braviary are gone.
"Superpower," is all Lilith says in reply.
The true Braviary flies at Haxorus, its body encased in a white aura. Too busy with the false images, Haxorus cannot get its defenses up in time and takes the full force of the hit. Braviary soars back up into the air as Haxorus struggles to its feet on shaky legs. The concern on Lance's face says it all. He is worried over how much damage a single attack from that Braviary inflicted on his dragon.
Lilith lets a smile play at the corners of her mouth. "Brave Bird."
Braviary once again flies at Haxorus, this time encased in a red aura that smolders like fire.
"Outrage!" Lance quickly yells, pointing at Haxorus.
Haxorus suddenly taps into a reserve of power, finding its second wind. With an amazing roar, Haxorus encases itself in an aura of its own, purple in color, and charges on foot toward the incoming Braviary. A collision is imminent.
The Valiant Pokémon materializes and immediately takes to the air, enjoying the freedom of movement provided by the arena's incredibly high ceiling. The crowd makes noises indicating their approval of the Flying-Type's blue and red plumage.
"Haxorus, battle time!" Lance shouts.
The pear-colored Axe Jaw Pokémon, complete with its black and red tusks, appears in the air with a roar and lands hard on the ground, an indicator of its great weight, its eyes already locked on and following its opponent. A new addition to Lance's team at the time, Haxorus was available to the Dragon Trainer thanks to the intermingling of the various regions' Pokémon populations. These days, all regions have an equal number of every species, as the diffusion of the many different Pokémon has all but completed. But five years ago, this was still a new phenomenon, and it was not common to see Trainers using Pokémon with origins in other regions. The crowd in the video is understandably in awe of this rare Pokémon from far away Unova.
"Braviary, use Crush Claw," says Lilith.
"Haxorus, Dragon Claw!" shouts Lance.
The two Pokémon’s claws begin to shine and they both charge toward each other until they collide. However, both appear unscathed from the collision.
"Aerial Ace," says Lilith, wasting no time.
The Flying-Type takes to the air once more and then charges down with unpredictable speed, shortly disappearing before impact with Haxorus and reappearing thereafter. Haxorus, with its thick armor appears undaunted by the attack, though.
"Dragon Dance!" Lance shouts.
Haxorus begins to glow a dazzling white.
"Crush Claw again," Lilith commands.
Braviary begins to charge back in at Haxorus, but the Dragon-Type is ready this time.
"Dragon Claw," Lance says with a confident smirk.
Haxorus proves itself to be a lot faster than anyone could have expected, and it manages to lash out and hit Braviary before Crush Claw can even make an impact.
Braviary is hurt but can still fight.
"Double Team, Braviary."
Within a split second, there is another two Braviary on the field, then another two, and another two. This trend continues until there are over thirty Braviary in the air.
"Nice try, Lilith," Lance says, "but you can't fool us. Use Dragon Dance again, Haxorus, and follow it up with Dragon Claw"
Haxorus begins to glow again and, when it delivers its attack, it moves even more quickly than the first time, darting around and swiping its claws through every false Braviary that swoops low enough. Within seconds, half of the extra Braviary are gone.
"Superpower," is all Lilith says in reply.
The true Braviary flies at Haxorus, its body encased in a white aura. Too busy with the false images, Haxorus cannot get its defenses up in time and takes the full force of the hit. Braviary soars back up into the air as Haxorus struggles to its feet on shaky legs. The concern on Lance's face says it all. He is worried over how much damage a single attack from that Braviary inflicted on his dragon.
Lilith lets a smile play at the corners of her mouth. "Brave Bird."
Braviary once again flies at Haxorus, this time encased in a red aura that smolders like fire.
"Outrage!" Lance quickly yells, pointing at Haxorus.
Haxorus suddenly taps into a reserve of power, finding its second wind. With an amazing roar, Haxorus encases itself in an aura of its own, purple in color, and charges on foot toward the incoming Braviary. A collision is imminent.
(Part 4 - Down to Five)
And when it happens, and explosion of light and color temporarily blinds the crowd and the camera recording these events. When the dazzling display fades, both Pokémon are on the ground, staring hard at each other. Aside from appearing to be out of breath, both Pokémon appear unfazed by the collision.
And then Braviary suddenly collapses to the ground. The crowd explodes with cheers and Lance pumps his fist in victory. Little flashes erupt all over as people take pictures with their cameras. Lance still has all of his Pokémon, and Lilith is now down to five.
"I have not remained Champion this long for nothing," Lance says, grinning at Lilith.
"You don't understand," Lilith says, returning the fainted Braviary to its Poké Ball. "I have already won this battle."
Lance seems understandably confused by her words, but doesn't have any time to ask about it, because Lilith releases her next Pokémon.
"Ninjask."
The Ninja Pokémon materializes on the field with a white flash. Lance appears to reach for the Poké Balls on his belt to switch Haxorus out for a different Pokémon, but decides against it. He grits his teeth and opts to continue.
"Haxorus, Outrage!" Lance shouts.
Haxorus once again charges at incredible speed toward its opponent. At least, it seems like incredible speed at first, until Ninjask moves.
All it takes is a single utterance from Lilith - "X-Scissor." - and Ninjask moves so fast that it makes Haxorus appear slow by comparison.
Outrage never hits. The X-shaped slice attack cuts right through the Dragon-Type's aura, its defenses, even its scaly armor. Haxorus collapses in a heap. The crowd does not like this.
"I should have recalled Haxorus," Lance says, returning the fainted Pokémon to its ball. "It was too tired to defend itself properly."
"No," Lilith simply replies. "You are a tactician, Lance. I know because I am a tactician as well. And like any good tactician you sent out your weakest Pokémon first in order to gauge your opponent."
"Perhaps," Lance replies. "What of it? Salamence, go!"
Lance's impressive Salamence appears on the field.
"X-Scissor," Lilith says again.
Ninjask is a blur. The camera cannot even capture its movements completely. Before anyone even knows what has happened, Salamence is down.
"What?" Lance exclaims, legitimately surprised.
"I did the same thing," Lilith continues. "But my weakest Pokémon is a world apart from my other five."
And then Braviary suddenly collapses to the ground. The crowd explodes with cheers and Lance pumps his fist in victory. Little flashes erupt all over as people take pictures with their cameras. Lance still has all of his Pokémon, and Lilith is now down to five.
"I have not remained Champion this long for nothing," Lance says, grinning at Lilith.
"You don't understand," Lilith says, returning the fainted Braviary to its Poké Ball. "I have already won this battle."
Lance seems understandably confused by her words, but doesn't have any time to ask about it, because Lilith releases her next Pokémon.
"Ninjask."
The Ninja Pokémon materializes on the field with a white flash. Lance appears to reach for the Poké Balls on his belt to switch Haxorus out for a different Pokémon, but decides against it. He grits his teeth and opts to continue.
"Haxorus, Outrage!" Lance shouts.
Haxorus once again charges at incredible speed toward its opponent. At least, it seems like incredible speed at first, until Ninjask moves.
All it takes is a single utterance from Lilith - "X-Scissor." - and Ninjask moves so fast that it makes Haxorus appear slow by comparison.
Outrage never hits. The X-shaped slice attack cuts right through the Dragon-Type's aura, its defenses, even its scaly armor. Haxorus collapses in a heap. The crowd does not like this.
"I should have recalled Haxorus," Lance says, returning the fainted Pokémon to its ball. "It was too tired to defend itself properly."
"No," Lilith simply replies. "You are a tactician, Lance. I know because I am a tactician as well. And like any good tactician you sent out your weakest Pokémon first in order to gauge your opponent."
"Perhaps," Lance replies. "What of it? Salamence, go!"
Lance's impressive Salamence appears on the field.
"X-Scissor," Lilith says again.
Ninjask is a blur. The camera cannot even capture its movements completely. Before anyone even knows what has happened, Salamence is down.
"What?" Lance exclaims, legitimately surprised.
"I did the same thing," Lilith continues. "But my weakest Pokémon is a world apart from my other five."
(Part 5 - What happens next?)
"Flygon!" Lance shouts, ignoring Lilith and releasing his next Pokémon while recalling his poor Salamence.
"X-Scissor," Lilith just says again, and Lance's newest Pokémon is out of the competition a split second later. The crowd has now fallen into a confused, worried silence.
"As soon as I saw how much your Haxorus struggled to beat Braviary..." Lilith says.
"Kingdra!" Lance shouts, swapping his fainted Flygon out for the Dragon Pokémon and not waiting for Lilith to finish.
"...I knew that the rest of your team would not stand a chance against the rest of mine. X-Scissor."
Kingdra proves no more able to defend itself against the Ninjask than any of Lance's other Pokémon. It falls under the might of the lightning-fast attack.
"Its speed!" Lance marvels in horror. "I have never seen anything so fast!"
A low murmur of constant conversation can now be heard as all in attendance voice their worries to one another. With an expression of reluctance, Lance releases his next choice.
"Go, Hydreigon!"
"X-Scissor," Lilith just says again, and Lance's newest Pokémon is out of the competition a split second later. The crowd has now fallen into a confused, worried silence.
"As soon as I saw how much your Haxorus struggled to beat Braviary..." Lilith says.
"Kingdra!" Lance shouts, swapping his fainted Flygon out for the Dragon Pokémon and not waiting for Lilith to finish.
"...I knew that the rest of your team would not stand a chance against the rest of mine. X-Scissor."
Kingdra proves no more able to defend itself against the Ninjask than any of Lance's other Pokémon. It falls under the might of the lightning-fast attack.
"Its speed!" Lance marvels in horror. "I have never seen anything so fast!"
A low murmur of constant conversation can now be heard as all in attendance voice their worries to one another. With an expression of reluctance, Lance releases his next choice.
"Go, Hydreigon!"
(Part 6 - Surprise!)
The Brutal Pokémon appears, its three heads roaring in an amazing display that demands awe and respect. Lilith, however, shakes her head with pity.
"Down to two and one of them has a very unfortunate type disadvantage," she says.
Lance, grimacing and beginning to sweat, has no reply.
"Don't worry," Lilith says. "Do your best. I'll give Ninjask no commands this round. Hydreigon won't be able to hit it."
"I'll bring some humility back into your attitude!" shouts Lance, having had quite enough of Lilith's chiding. "Hydreigon, you use Dragon Rush right now!"
Hydreigon tears toward Ninjask, building up a dangerous amount of momentum to put behind an already powerful blow against Ninjask, but like Lilith predicted, the Bug-Type uses its amazing speed to completely avoid the attack.
Then the entire crowd audibly gasps as Lilith capitalizes on the few moments that Lance's Pokémon is near her to leap into the air and deliver a surprisingly powerful spin-kick directly to its center head. The Pokémon is actually dazed by the petite young girl's attack.
"Is - Is that legal?!" Lance shouts.
The sound of flipping pages can be heard as the announcer frantically looks through the League's official rulebook.
"Well, there's no rule against it!" the announcer responds.
The smallest of chuckles makes its way through Lilith's otherwise stone-faced countenance. "A good Trainer trains themselves as well, not just their Pokémon. Your time is up. X-Scissor."
Hydreigon's time is indeed up. Ninjask makes short work of its opponent. The crowd is now in a near-panic. All manner of shouts ring out, and the low murmur has now become a dull roar of concerned conversation.
"That's it!" Lance shouts in frustration. "You may have bested most of my team, but you have yet to face its crown jewel! Now, feel the power of my signature Pokémon!"
Lance grabs at the last Poké Ball on his belt. It looks more old and worn than the others, like he has had it for many years.
"Go!" he yells with a smile, "Dragonite!"
"Down to two and one of them has a very unfortunate type disadvantage," she says.
Lance, grimacing and beginning to sweat, has no reply.
"Don't worry," Lilith says. "Do your best. I'll give Ninjask no commands this round. Hydreigon won't be able to hit it."
"I'll bring some humility back into your attitude!" shouts Lance, having had quite enough of Lilith's chiding. "Hydreigon, you use Dragon Rush right now!"
Hydreigon tears toward Ninjask, building up a dangerous amount of momentum to put behind an already powerful blow against Ninjask, but like Lilith predicted, the Bug-Type uses its amazing speed to completely avoid the attack.
Then the entire crowd audibly gasps as Lilith capitalizes on the few moments that Lance's Pokémon is near her to leap into the air and deliver a surprisingly powerful spin-kick directly to its center head. The Pokémon is actually dazed by the petite young girl's attack.
"Is - Is that legal?!" Lance shouts.
The sound of flipping pages can be heard as the announcer frantically looks through the League's official rulebook.
"Well, there's no rule against it!" the announcer responds.
The smallest of chuckles makes its way through Lilith's otherwise stone-faced countenance. "A good Trainer trains themselves as well, not just their Pokémon. Your time is up. X-Scissor."
Hydreigon's time is indeed up. Ninjask makes short work of its opponent. The crowd is now in a near-panic. All manner of shouts ring out, and the low murmur has now become a dull roar of concerned conversation.
"That's it!" Lance shouts in frustration. "You may have bested most of my team, but you have yet to face its crown jewel! Now, feel the power of my signature Pokémon!"
Lance grabs at the last Poké Ball on his belt. It looks more old and worn than the others, like he has had it for many years.
"Go!" he yells with a smile, "Dragonite!"
(Part 7 - Mystery Pokemon Appears!)
Lance's ultimate Dragon-Type takes the field. The Dragon Pokémon's intangible, oppressive power can literally be seen as its intense aura forces back the first few rows of spectators a couple of inches.
Lilith give no reaction whatsoever, but finally recalls Ninjask.
"Milotic," she says, releasing the Tender Pokémon onto the field.
Lance cannot help but laugh. "Weren't you just commenting earlier about type disadvantages?" he asks. "Milotic is a Water-Type. Dragonite resists Water-Type attacks."
"You still do not understand," Lilith says, flicking a beautifully-colored stone on her ornate necklace, causing it to glow.
A similarly-colored stone set into a choker worn by Milotic suddenly lights up as well. A massive ball of thick, swirling, rainbow-colored energy envelops Milotic, causing the audience to shout in surprise as the Water-Type Pokémon is obscured from view. When the ball of energy shrinks away, something different is on the field in Milotic's place. It looks similar, but several aspects of the original Milotic have changed. It is larger. The antennae and hair-like fins above its eyes have adopted a secondary blue coloring in addition to its normal pink coloring. Its lower half patterning, normally composed of blue and pink diamond-shaped scales, now has scales of many different colors. Its tail fins, normally four in number and blue in color, have increased to seven in number and they are each a different color, forming a fan-shaped rainbow.
Pokédexes all over the arena are pulled out, and the same error message can be seen appearing on all their screens. The digital encyclopedias do not recognize this Pokémon.
"I don't understand," the announcer can faintly be overheard saying. "Did we just witness a mega-evolution? Is it a ... Mega Milotic?"
"It won't be enough!" Lance cries, very much done with the stresses and annoyances that this match has brought him. From within his pocket he produces a small remote with a single button on it. Pressing it, the ceiling itself begins to open, turning the arena into a stadium as the evening light spills in. "Dragonite! Do not hold back anything! Draco Meteor now!"
With a great roar, Dragonite takes to the sky, stopping just below the open ceiling. Its eyes glow as a crackling ball of electric energy surrounds it. High in the skies above, dark and terrible clouds gather, an immense energy gathering just out of view in the stratosphere. A handful of car-sized meteors suddenly punch through the clouds, hurtling with incredible speed toward the arena. Though they all have trajectories that indicate varying points of origin, they are all on a collision course toward the same target - Milotic. As the boulders plucked from space zero in on their target, many spectators start to panic, while others hold on for dear life, bracing for impact.
Dragonite roars once more as the meteors rocket past it, only inches away on either side, and impact with their target. The collision rocks the stadium. Spectators are thrown several feet in every direction. The combination of cheers and screams is a unique sound. The explosion of each extra-terrestrial stone causes a great deal of dust to be thrown into the air, reducing visibility to zero for several minutes. The first thing the cameras can see again in the crowd - people covering their mouths with their shirts and coughing as they wave the dust away from their eyes. Then the arena returns, and that's when the entire crowd falls silent.
Lilith give no reaction whatsoever, but finally recalls Ninjask.
"Milotic," she says, releasing the Tender Pokémon onto the field.
Lance cannot help but laugh. "Weren't you just commenting earlier about type disadvantages?" he asks. "Milotic is a Water-Type. Dragonite resists Water-Type attacks."
"You still do not understand," Lilith says, flicking a beautifully-colored stone on her ornate necklace, causing it to glow.
A similarly-colored stone set into a choker worn by Milotic suddenly lights up as well. A massive ball of thick, swirling, rainbow-colored energy envelops Milotic, causing the audience to shout in surprise as the Water-Type Pokémon is obscured from view. When the ball of energy shrinks away, something different is on the field in Milotic's place. It looks similar, but several aspects of the original Milotic have changed. It is larger. The antennae and hair-like fins above its eyes have adopted a secondary blue coloring in addition to its normal pink coloring. Its lower half patterning, normally composed of blue and pink diamond-shaped scales, now has scales of many different colors. Its tail fins, normally four in number and blue in color, have increased to seven in number and they are each a different color, forming a fan-shaped rainbow.
Pokédexes all over the arena are pulled out, and the same error message can be seen appearing on all their screens. The digital encyclopedias do not recognize this Pokémon.
"I don't understand," the announcer can faintly be overheard saying. "Did we just witness a mega-evolution? Is it a ... Mega Milotic?"
"It won't be enough!" Lance cries, very much done with the stresses and annoyances that this match has brought him. From within his pocket he produces a small remote with a single button on it. Pressing it, the ceiling itself begins to open, turning the arena into a stadium as the evening light spills in. "Dragonite! Do not hold back anything! Draco Meteor now!"
With a great roar, Dragonite takes to the sky, stopping just below the open ceiling. Its eyes glow as a crackling ball of electric energy surrounds it. High in the skies above, dark and terrible clouds gather, an immense energy gathering just out of view in the stratosphere. A handful of car-sized meteors suddenly punch through the clouds, hurtling with incredible speed toward the arena. Though they all have trajectories that indicate varying points of origin, they are all on a collision course toward the same target - Milotic. As the boulders plucked from space zero in on their target, many spectators start to panic, while others hold on for dear life, bracing for impact.
Dragonite roars once more as the meteors rocket past it, only inches away on either side, and impact with their target. The collision rocks the stadium. Spectators are thrown several feet in every direction. The combination of cheers and screams is a unique sound. The explosion of each extra-terrestrial stone causes a great deal of dust to be thrown into the air, reducing visibility to zero for several minutes. The first thing the cameras can see again in the crowd - people covering their mouths with their shirts and coughing as they wave the dust away from their eyes. Then the arena returns, and that's when the entire crowd falls silent.
(Part 8 - Aftermath)
Not only is the powered-up Milotic still there, but it doesn't have a scratch on it whatsoever. The attack did nothing. Lance would likely be stunned, awestruck by such resilience, but he is dealing with another problem. As the camera zooms way in, it is revealed that, floating in the air all by itself, is some kind of small, thin sword. It is poised to slice Lance's jugular vein, and he is holding extremely still as he watches it with paralyzing fear.
"Submit," says Lilith, who has her hand outstretched.
"I - I give up," Lance stammers.
Lilith lowers her hand and the sword lowers itself to the ground.
"Ladies and gentlemen," the announcer says too quietly. "We have a new Champion. It's the challenger Lilith."
Moans and wails of protest begin to ring out from the crowd.
"Things are going to change around here," Lilith can be heard saying.
Lance hangs his head in shame and drops to his knees, and then the video cuts out.
(Part 9 - Epilogue)
"So that's it," Oak says, ejecting the disc and putting it away. "You probably learned about it in your classes. That's actual footage of the day Champion Lilith came into power and began making changes to the region's laws and statutes. As you probably already know, the Pokémon League Champion is the ultimate authority of the region, able to make and repeal laws, and has final say on anything posed by the smaller day-to-day government organizations. She quickly put into place the laws and standards we live by today, including the rule that beginning Trainers must be at least fifteen in order to travel alone, which was originally allowed by ten years of age.
"She also brought about sweeping changes to the Gym scene. Gym Leaders are all expected to fight alongside their Pokémon now, should the challenging Trainer express interest in such a thing. It's called an Advanced Gym Challenge, and it's a way for powerful Trainers with weak to middling Pokémon to still possibly beat a Gym Leader. As Trainers of fifteen years or older, the option is there for you, should you want it, but I think it's dangerous and I advise against it. Even adults get badly hurt attempting an Advanced Gym Challenge. Of course, if you ever think you've got what it takes to challenge Lilith in a battle for the championship, you have no choice. She made a rule that makes Trainer participation mandatory in battles against the Elite Four or herself. She has made the top battles of the region about something more than a Trainer's talent at raising Pokémon. Now you must train yourself right alongside your Pokémon team if you ever hope to take on the top five Trainers of Kanto. If you cannot hold your own, you are unlikely to succeed.
"Lilith has been Champion for five years now, and still very little is known about her other than her first name and what she looks like. We also know for certain that her team still has a Ninjask, as it is the only Pokémon we've seen any of since the match with Lance."
He sighs. "It's all she's needed to utterly demolish any challengers. Her other Pokémon could have all changed, including that impossible Mega Milotic, though I doubt she'd part with that one. Some of you may remember the original Elite Four or at least learned about them in class - Lorelei, Bruno, Agatha, and, of course, Lance before he was Champion. All of you should remember the most recent Elite Four - Will, Koga, Bruno, and Karen. You are probably also aware that they were replaced by new Trainers shortly after Lilith came into power - the Psychic-Type Trainer Anya, the Steel-Type Trainer Sorra, the Dark-Type Trainer D'Mara, and the Normal-Type Trainer Genevieve. What you may not know is that the former Elite Four were not replaced without a fight. Will, Koga, Bruno, and Karen all defended their positions, but all of them were defeated by Lilith's Psychic-Type Trainer Anya, even Karen and her powerful Dark-Types. So do not underestimate these new Elite Four members, either. They seem to be prior acquaintances of Lilith's. Old friends, perhaps. As for Lance, well, he's never been the same since his defeat five years ago. He gave up Pokémon training and moved back home to Blackthorn City in Johto. People who have seen him there report that he's a sad sight."
Oak leans back in his chair. "So welcome to the world of Pokémon," he says, almost sarcastically. "If you still want to get out there and adventure, then let's get you set up with a Pokédex and a starter Pokémon. Interested Trainers step forward."
* - GM is not responsible for damage received from Wall-o-Text.
