07. Cocoon Uprising

[Tiki]

After his long series of battles in the Union Cave, Ethan found himself now in Azalea Town. Although this was a small town, it was still vibrant with life. Though, it really took him a day or two to finished exploring the different parts of the town. Now that the traveling was out of the way, he took this opportunity to challenge the local gym leader, since he already have a Feather Badge under his belt. Without bothering to change his Pokemon party, he opened the door gym anxiously and entered, wondering if this gym would be a bit tougher than the last one he fought.

Inside the gym, he saw a field with long grass blades and some trees. Is this a grass type gym? A bug type gym? Probably a bug type gym, given the decorations he saw as he walked in, but what kind of bug type Pokemon would he encounter? What strategies would they have?

Nevermind those though, as he would found out later. He entered the arena and loudly introduced himself, "Hi, I am Ethan and I would like to challenge the gym leader here."

[Thirdie]

___________

Passing through the entrance to the Gym really was like stepping from one world to another. If you didn't know any better, you might think you had stepped outside, instead of going inside a building. The plant life had taken over the place, and even the very bug like statues just inside the door, was alive with vines and spinarak webs. The ceiling, barely seen through the tree tops, consisted of great windows, that ran from wall to wall, letting as much sunshine in as possibly. If you looked closely, you could see the white fog outside pressing against the glass, so it was so-so with outside light today. However, the inside forest was bright anyway, alight with some hidden lights in all the greenery.

When Ethan announced his presence, a voice answered left of the entrance. "Over here." Hidden behind a clutter of small bushes was a desk, and behind the desk sat two girls, that looked very much alike. One of the girls was swirling around in a 'chair' hanging down with strings from a tree branch, and the other held a pencil in her hand with a piece of paper in front of her. "Sign your name here," she said, and sent Ethan a blinding smile. The girl in the swing chair giggled, but nothing happened until Ethan put his name on the paper. Then the girl jumped out of the 'swing' and made a gesture for him to follow. "This way," she said "I'll show you to Bugsy."

"Oi, Bugsy! You've got a challenger!" the girl sang loud, when they had passed the first couple of trees and entered a denser area. Spinaraks, Ledybas and other bug Pokemon scuttled away.
A tree top rustled, and a boy in his late teens dropped down in the grass a little ways off. "Great! We need a little work out, before going to Ilex."
"Bugsy, this is Ethan." the girl presented and ran off again.
Bugsy bowed his head in greeting. "Nice to meet you, Ethan. What've you got in store for me?" He started off, and then continued the official introduction of rules for the battle. Finally, he picked out a Pokeball and let a Kakuna out in the grass in front of his feet. "Whenever you're ready."

You have challenged Gym Leader Bugsy to battle, and he sends out Kakuna♀(level 18)!
Who will you choose against him?

[Tiki]

Ethan followed the voice, and found this gym to be a bit structured differently than Falkner's gym. It was a bit more... procedural. Well besides that, this gym seemed to spend more money on decoration than Falkner's... more plain looking gym. He thought that those statues might need a cleaning.

He followed the girls who told him to sign his name, smiling sheepishly as he was surprised by the sudden formality. He smiled and replied with a "Thank You" to the registration workers.

When he finally got to the battlefield and saw the gym leader Bugsy himself, he nodded in response. "Nice to meet you, Ethan. What've you got in store for me?" he said. He smiled in a friendly fashion and readily grabbed a Pokeball to toss out. "Well, hopefully a fun gym battle for you?"

After Bugsy finished with the boring rules, he saw the opponent sent out a bug type Pokemon, Kakuna. He looked at it for two seconds, and continued tossing out his Pokeball, thinking that there wasn't much need to switch out Pokemon. "I'm no expert on Bug Pokemon, but your Kakuna sure looks ready to evolve. Come on out, Ratz! Start with a Hyper Fang!"


OOC:
Ratz used Hyper Fang

[Thirdie]

___________

Bugsy leaned back on the tree behind him, a somewhat cocky smile gracing his lips. "Oh, I'm counting on it. Let's see how you play it." He answered Ethan's response, and waited patiently for the order to attack. His relaxed attitude immediately changed to alert, when Ratz entered the field. "A fast one, I see." he commented, his eyes shining with excitement at the battle about to begin. "Iron Defense!"

Bugsy was right in Ratz being fast. The Kakuna never moved an inch, immobile as they tended to be. Ratz ran through the medium tall grass, and chumped down on her hard shell with a snapping sound of a nutcracker, only louder. Kakuna's dark eyes blinked, and suddenly her shell seemed to grow tougher under Ratz' teeth. He had to let go quickly, or his teeth might not stand the pressure. Kakuna's entire body gleamed with a metallic shine, when she was done.

"Nice one," Bugsy said, and finally found time to respond to Ethan's attempt for conversation. "She is, isn't she. However, patience is a virtue, as the saying goes. We'll get there at our own pace."

---

Gym Battle

Bugsy's Kakuna♀|level 18|
HP: 27/49 (spd 23)
Status: Normal (+2 def)
Used Iron Defense

VS

Ethan's Ratz♂|level 19|
HP: 46/46 (spd 38)
Status: Normal
Used Hyper Fang

[Tiki]

Ethan nodded, or bobbed his head, as he listened to the gym leader's response about how his Rattata would be the fast one. He thought that was an amusing comment, because if the Kakuna don't move around much, then any Pokemon would be technically "fast" compared to the immobile bug. He watched with both nervousness and amusement as the battle continued. He could see that the Kakuna hardly moved, but he could also see how the bug type's shell looked glossier. The gloss likely came from the iron defense, which boost the defense of Kakuna to reduce physical damages.

"I see," Ethan responded about the Kakuna not evolving. "Alright, Ratz, go for a Hyper Fang again!" The purple rodent clicked his teeth, as a verbal nod. Then, he darted across the grassy field and went for a sharp attack with those incisors.

[Tyger]

Bugsy watched his Pokemon with intent eyes, although the smile he'd worn since they began battling hadn't left his face. With Kakuna even that much stronger and with such sheen, why wouldn't he smile? "Good job, Kakuna! The best offense is a best defense for you, isn't that right?" He praised his Kakuna, hoisting his bug catching net over his shoulder with a casual flick. "There are places for offensive bug Pokemon, but Kakuna's strength lies in her defensive power for now. Sure, she is ready to evolve, but she goes at her own pace, and I respect it. Sometimes you have to wait for the cocoon to blossom at it's own pace. Besides, she's giving your Rattata a run for it's money currently." It didn't seem like it now, but as soon as Rattata moved in to bite, it was time.

Rattata's fangs wrapped around as much of Kakuna as it could bite. The cocoon's hardened status meant it did far less damage than last time, and actually brought Rattata straight to Kakuna. Ratz had played into Kakuna's favor. Despite being hurt, Kakuna tilted it's body down to reach Ratz's fur and opened a tiny mouth that, had it not opened, would have been barely detectable. The sudden surprise of a damaging move seemed to startle Ratz, who let out a surprised squeak. He let go of the Kakuna and skittered back to his side of the field, nursing his painful wound. It had managed to take a chunk of HP and fur as well. Kakuna's mouth closed, and once more it became indetectable. "I didn't realize Kakuna had mouths until I made her mad one day." Bugsy chuckled.

"Many people come in here and completely disrespect bug Pokemon. I can understand why some people, especially girls that are squeamish, fear them, but disrespect is a bit too far. They are very capable fighters, and fantastic at harboring defense. Hyper Fang is usually a very high damage, devastating attack. And yet, we've survived two and damaged you in the process. Kakuna is doing very well. I like to start with her to introduce those that may not have fought many powerful bugs." Bugsy was glad there were many bug catchers interested in bug Pokemon, but unfortunately, they had a ways to go. "I hope it sparks a bit more respect for the type as a whole." 

Bugsy's Kakuna - Level |18|

Health: 15/46

Current Status: Tastes furry...
Def +2
Successful Bug Bite!

Ethan's Ratz - Level |19|

Health: 31/46

Current Status:  CHOMP CHOMP
Successful Hyper Fang!

[Tiki]

Ethan nodded again, and listened casually as the opponent continued to elaborate on the strength and weakness of bug type Pokemon. He was going to reply, but in the middle of the battle, The Kakuna did have an attacking move in its arsenal. He nodded as if he was saying "I see" at the suddenly retaliating bug. Once that was done, he began his response to the gym leader.

"Well, I wouldn't expect every gym battle to be a walk in the park. After all, when I fought Falkner, his Pidgeeotto have Roost and Sand Attack. So when your Kakuna used Iron Defense, I was surprised. I didn't know they can learn that move. I take it as a challenge that your defensive strategy is your way to keep your bug type Pokemon on the field longer, but eventually, the Pokemon will tire, right? Ratz, go for another Hyper Fang!"
He spoke, trying to get through most points in his response.

"So, do you want to tell me about those disrespectful Pokemon?" He asked curiously as his Rattata ran for another Hyper Fang. Though he was wondering what do you have to do to be considered disrespectful in a Pokemon Battle.


OOC: Hyper Fang once more

[Deleted]

Bugsy was rather amused that someone was willing to listen to some of his tales. His favorite type was always underated and to meet someone who finally showed some respect was a relief. " You would be suprized by how many people attack Bug types without even giving them a chance. Sure most lack the power of some other types but as you have seen with the proper love and care they can be quite a handful. So many have learned their lesson the hard way when they battle me. I only wish more could at least be like yourself and not just immediately count them out."

While he paused for a moment Ratz seized the opportunity to run towards Kakuna sinking his teeth into the bug type for the third time. The hard as steel shell was difficult to puncture however he ultimately managed to bite a small chunk off of the cocoon Pokemon. As Kakuna screeched out in pain Bugsy grew worried. One more attack like that would likely knock Kakuna out however Ratz was looking tired as well. Taking a gamble Bugsy decided to go on the offensive again trying to knock the rat Pokemon out before it could strike again. " Kakuna hang in there your amazing shell has done an amazing job enduring those Hyper Fang attacks so far. Give that Rattata another Bug Bite."

Hopping over to Ratz in an amusing fashion Kakuna take a painful bite on one of his ears as he chuckled at the bug's funny movement.Bugsy was a little worried that Ratz was able to shake off another Bug Bite although he still had hope that Kakuna would last another round. " That Rattata is pretty impressive. Few Pokemon can take two Bug Bites from Kakuna here and still remain in good shape. At this rate this battle will surely be interesting to say the least." He said with a smile having high hopes this battle would not end like countless others.

---

Gym Battle

Bugsy's Kakuna|level 18|
HP: 3/49 (6%)
Status: Normal (+2 def)
Used Bug Bite
Bite me will you!

VS

Ethan's Ratz|level 19|
HP: 19/46 (41%)
Status: Normal
Used Hyper Fang
Just give up already!

[Tiki]

Ethan smiled as he began replying again, "Wait, people attack bug types? I thought they attack normal types like Rattata and Pidgey. Though, just because I'm not coming in to sweep your bug type off the floor with a flying type, or fire type, it doesn't mean that I don't have some strategy of my own. I did say I'm hoping to give you a fun battle."

After he said that, he watched as another round unfold, and this time it was the bug and the rat trading biting attacks. Perhaps the Kakuna had no more new tricks, and it was just a battle of endurance. He put his hands in his pocket and stood upright, readying himself to finish up with this Kakuna.

"Thanks," he commented his thank to the gym leader. "Alright Ratz, finish this Kakuna with a quick attack. Since you're a gym leader, I am hoping for this battle to be just starting." Ratz squeaked again after hearing the order, and scampered off into the grass for a speedy attack. The young Ratz could feel an energy surging through his body, even though he took some damage, what could this be? Hormone?

OOC:
Quick Attack, and evolving.

Tyger edit for next mod: No, not evolving. We don't evolve mid battle.

tiki edit: derp, I forget lol

[Tyger]

Gym Leader Bugsy

Bugsy watched the battle unfold, curious of Ethan's strategy. So far he favored the all-offense strategy, taking all his time and effort to lower Kakuna's health, despite the defense increase. Honestly, it warmed Bugsy's heart. It would take even longer if he dallied around, attempting to find a weak spot in Kakuna's armor. It worked in his favor, as he got to study Ethan and Ratz in the same fashion he studied Bug Pokemon. It gave him somewhat of an idea of what to expect. Trainers tended to go all out, so he got to see what they were capable of early on. Although, fighting a Rattata seemed to be a surprise. Usually there were more... stronger? No, that was the wrong word. Exotic. Usually there were more exotic Pokemon.

"If one wasn't careful, that comment could be seen as disrespectful." Bugsy smiled. It was clear he didn't take it that way. "It was bad to assume that this would be all of it, yes, and that as a Gym Leader, i'd be giving you a harder challenge. You must be careful with your words, although I didn't take offense to it, as i'm sure you didn't mean it that way." Bugsy smiled. "Kakuna, Bug Bite!" However, Bugsy knew that unless Quick Attack missed, Kakuna would be out for the battle. It was alright though. Kakuna did it's job by showing the defensive capabilities. Bugsy was more than pleased with the battle, and his Pokemon's performance. His suspicions were true, though. Ratz rocketed forward and slammed into Kakuna, knocking the bug clear out.

Bugsy's Kakuna - Level |18|

Health: 0/46

Current Status: ...
Def +2
Successful Bug Bite!

Ethan's Ratz - Level |19|

Health: 31/46

Current Status: GOTTA GO FAST
Successful Quick Attack!

---

Ratz fought valiantly, and has gained +1 levels for his efforts! He is now Level 20.
Ratz gained +1 Happiness!



Cover observed, and gained +1 level! They are now level 23.

---

"Kakuna, return!" Bugsy lifted Kakuna's Pokeball and watched the Bug Pokemon disappear into the capsule without so much as a twitch. He pulled the ball close to his face and whispered. "Good job, Kakuna. You did great." Attaching the ball back to his belt, Bugsy smiled at Ethan and repositioned the bug net on his shoulder. "Well, it took a bit, but you finally took down Kakuna. Hopefully that gave you a taste of the defensive power of Bugs. However, you didn't come here for that. Bugs have offensive power, too." Bugsy hinted, smiling. He made no move to any of the Pokeballs on his belt, and instead, just nodded his head ever-so-slightly.

A flash of green passed Ethan, and streaked behind Bugsy. However, the flash appeared again on Ethan's other side, and then streaked to the undergrowth of the Gym field. "Come on out, girl. It's time to stretch out those wings of yours." Bugsy's voice pulled the Pokemon from it's predator mode, and it rose from the field to take it's place by Bugsy. "This is Scyther. She is your next opponent. I hope you're ready." He smiled, resting his free hand on one of her flanks for a moment before she pressed forward into the battle field, patiently waiting. Her eyes seemed to pick up every movement and rustle in the grass. The eyes of a predator, indeed.

 

Bugsy has sent out Scyther! (Level 21)
Will you switch Pokemon?

[Tiki]

With the Kakuna gone, Ethan was internally happy that he got one Pokemon down, so much that he briefly smiled a bit. Then he was silent and embarrassed that he said something that could be interpreted in another way. With the Kakuna knocked out, he returned his Rattata and gave him thanks. After all, he wouldn't have beaten the yellow shiny bug without Ratz's help. Then, instead of seeing Bugsy sending out the next Pokemon, he was speaking to a Pokemon that was hiding somewhere. He saw a flash of green around the field, and moments later, the flash of green revealed itself to be a green Scyther.

"It's a Scyther, I see. I have never seen one before. I have never met a bug type Pokemon this big." He responded, but still without an idea on which Pokemon to send out next, and what offensive strategy the Scyther have next. He was also just staring at the Scyther, not even moving his hands toward his next Pokeball of choice, at least not yet.

Then, suddenly, one of the Pokeball popped itself out, and revealed it to be a Cottonee. "Weecot, wait!" he shouted in panic, as this wasn't really his choice either as he haven't even narrow his choices. Then, the energetic Weecot, who had been inside his Pokeball for quite a while, hopped around on the grassy plains, with yellow dust of Stun Spore emitting from his body cotton, the Cottonee just seemed to ignore the presence of the Scyther, and hopped around the field like a jolly fluff of light and cute cotton. Weecot was just so happy to be out!

[Morrigan]

vs Gym Leader Bugsy
__________________________________

Bugsy always enjoyed the expression of new trainers battling in his Gym. They would often see either Metapod or Kakuna first, expecting the battle to be a breeze but then become surprised at the sight of a strong, predator Pokemon such as Scyther. Standing tall, she was certainly intimidating, clanging her dual scythe like arms against one another in a sharpening motion. But the reaction from Ethan wasn't at all what Bugsy had expected. He had responded but looked distracted. Maybe the Scyther had shaken so much fear into him that Ethan had realised he couldn't possibly win? Taking this as the case as the trainer didn't immediately grab another Pokeball, Bugsy smirked to himself. He had this gym victory in the bag, or so he thought.

All of a sudden, without Ethan's order, a Pokemon emerged from a flash of light and floated casually onto the battlefield. Despite his protests, the Cottonee floated around with a gleeful expression, seemingly oblivious to the situation it had just landed itself in. Not even taking a single glance in the direction of Scyther, the large bug type widened her eyes in absolute anger. Did this tiny creature think this was a game?! "Huh... Looks like this is your choice." Compared to the Rattata who had atleast put up a fight, Bugsy felt disappointed and almost a little guilty for needing to attack such a whimsical looking creature. "Ah well. The result would've been the same, no matter what Pokemon you would've chosen. Scyther! U-TURN!"

Leering her eyes, the Scyther bolted forward with incredible speed, her eyes focusing so hard on the body of Weecot itself that it didn't notice the yellow spores sprinkled throughout the air. Being a Bug Gym, the Scyther was used to spores and petals floating around but this wasn't something akin to a sweet aroma. Breathing in nothing more than a single spore, the Scyther suddenly widened her eyes, her enter body freezing on the spot and coiling to the ground. "H-Huh?! What happened...?!" Finally spotting the attack moments too late, Bugsy curled his lip in irritation, "Looks like I underestimated your Pokemon. I didn't even notice the Stun Spore. But that isn't going to stop my Pokemon so easily." Although she had stopped, the large bug type had managed to push itself back up. Paralysis tingled through her body but for this round, she was still able to move.

Continuing with her U-Turn attack and approaching within mere seconds, the Scyther had a single scythe held high above her head which relentlessly stuck down on Ethan's Pokemon. Smashing Weecot to the ground, a pained screech rippled throughout the Gym as the attack dealt mass damage. Raising his eyebrows, Bugsy muttered a simple, "I'm surprised it even survived, especially after giving her that status effect..." whilst holding the Pokeball Scyther had just returned back into. Clearing his throat, Bugsy soon spoke up, "Just in case you are unaware of what happened, I'll explain. U-Turn is a powerful bug move and when paired with a speedy Pokemon, makes the ultimate hit and run combination. Since your Pokemon is a grass type, it should've dealt a great deal of damage."

"Ah but there is a second part to this." Taking out his third and final Pokeball, he tossed it forward, this time revealing a lone Metapod. "It also allows me to switch my Pokemon and the best part is, I can use this strategy as long as I have multiple Pokemon in my team." Smirking as if suggesting his victory, it was still early days to decide on such a thing.

---

Metapod: | Level 18 |
Health: 100% (51/51 HP)
Status: Normal
Scyther was PARALYZED!
Scyther used U-Turn and switched with Metapod!

VS

Weecot: | Level 17 |
Health: 7% (3/45 HP)
Status: Normal
Weecot used Stun Spore!

[Tiki]

OOC: Switch to Baltoy and use Ancient Power

IC:
Ethan already felt like he was losing because of Weecot's sudden appearance. He watched in fear as he was thinking that one of his six Pokemon would go down so soon. Even though he did not planned to use a grass type Pokemon in a bug gym, he also had no plan on fainting a Pokemon today. He watched the battle with astonishment in his eyes, as he watched the speedy demon Scyther flew quickly toward the light and fluffy Cottonee. The Scyther was fast, and those scythes were sharp! If that was the Bugsy's signature Pokemon, like Falkner had with Pidgeotto, how was he going to defeat it?

Then, the Scyther froze for a bit, Ethan's eyes widened and let out a soft gasp. Apparently, the Cottonee was also shaking up some congested quantity of Stun Spore onto the field, that it ended up paralyzing the bug type Pokemon, but was it useful? The U-Turn then continued, and the Scyther powerfully swiped on the poor Cottonee. It looked like the Cottonee would need some pest control after this. As soon as U-Turn was over, Ethan listened to Bugsy's explanation of this powerful move, that attacks AND allowing a switch. No wonder he had both offensive and defensive strategy.

"AAahh.. Wow! This is an impressive move! And I'm surprise my Cottonee got out too, maybe he just wants some time outside as I haven't been giving my Pokemon that... Uhh... Weecot, you can stay out but we're switching okay?" Ethan responded, feeling he was caught in surprise in this situation. As the Cottonee was bouncing back toward Ethan, the trainer grabbed an actual Pokeball this time and tossed it out, calling out a move too. "Come on out, Disco. Show off your moves with Ancient Power!"

Out from the Pokeball was a Baltoy, who lifted some rocks from the ground and thereby destroyed some grass on the field. Does Ethan have to pay for this landscape damage or the Pokemon Fan Club pays for it? Anyways, with the rocks lifted in the air by its telekinesis power, the Baltoy then began spinning... and dancing, with the rocks floating in creative motion. It was its first time using Ancient Power, and the Baltoy thought might as well practice its only dance move- spinning- with some psychic prop. Ethan grinned, as this was a light-heart comic relief in this tense battle. Weecot, now standing by him, was now dancing too by bouncing in circle around Ethan.

[Morrigan]

vs Gym Leader Bugsy
__________________________________

Propping his hands atop his waist, Bugsy looked over to Ethan who appeared to be in a state of uncertainty. The previous round happened so fast that he had alot he needed to take in. But this was a Gym battle and he soon found himself grounded once again. There was a positive in that the Scyther had been paralysed so when it was sent out again, the status would still be in effect. For something as fast and deadly as Scyther, the move by the Cottonee could've very well turned the battle to Ethan's favour, even if it wasn't all that obvious at first. Stating that he was impressed with the move U-Turn, Bugsy grinned as he bathed in the compliment. "The strategy usually captures most trainers off guard. I am truly impressed that your Pokemon withstood the attack, however!" Sending a compliment back of his own, it was his attempt to lighten the mood. The appearance of his Scyther would turn any battle sour but he did truly enjoy challenges.

Watching as Ethan decided to recall his injured Cottonee, who had a surprising amount of energy left despite being hit so hard by the Scyther, the bug leader gave a nod of his head. "If you are changing Pokemon, then I will use my turn now aswell." Using the rules of battling to his advantage, Bugsy took this turn to build up some defences. "Metapod, use Harden. Whatever Pokemon he uses, we'll be ready." Remaining silent, the Metapod wobbled ever so slightly on the spot, her cocoon like body glistening in the gym lights as it's outer shell hardened. With his Metapod primed and ready to go, Bugsy looked up to see his next opponent, a rather spinning and jiving Baltoy. "An interesting choice! Let's see how this on fairs!" The sight of Disco and it's actions were certainly enough to lighten the mood.

Not knowing what to expect from the Baltoy, as the Pokemon lifted a chunk of rock from his very Gym floor, there wasn't much Bugsy could say or do. Luckily it wasn't his responsibility or his local Fan Club but more the Pokemon League Challenge organisation as a whole. Trainers were able to use the gym to their advantage in whatever way they seemed fit and it would be fixed shortly after each battle. Not important to either Ethan or Bugsy but likely very annoying for the workers who were left to clean up the mess left behind. Still, with it's ancient, psychic powers, Disco shot a series of rocky chunks, finishing off with the huge boulder held above it's head, which it smashed down upon the Metapod. The previous harden not having much effect against a special move, it wobbled in a dizzy motion on the spot.

"Tsk. Use your Bug Bite, Metapod!" Throwing his arm forward as he gave his order, the Metapod stared at the spinning Baltoy. Shooting a bit of string shot from it's head, which connected to the spinning body of Disco, the Metapod dragged itself toward it's opponent with the help of the string. As she got closer, the attack itself was somewhat obscured but what looked like a mouth parted through the middle of the cocoon and bit into Disco. Whatever happened, it looked strange and it was best to forget or simply not acknowledge it.

---

Metapod: | Level 18 |
Health: 25% (13/51 HP)
Status: +1 Def
Metapod used Harden!
Metapod used Bug Bite!

VS

Disco: | Level 20 |
Health: 61% (32/52 HP)
Status: Normal
Weecot was switched with Disco!
Disco used Ancient Power!

[Tiki]

Ethan knew the battles rule well that if he would be switching Pokemon, his opponent would gt a move too. He wasn't surprised at all that Bugsy's Metapod would use Harden to increase defense, after all, the Kakuna did the same thing. Though the move Harden was a weaker version of Iron Defense. The outer shell shimmer again, although a dimmer version of the Iron Defense. Ethan should probably stop comparing the Harden to Iron Defense in his head, but they're just an interestingly different kind of glow!

One thing he did notice was the Bugsy's lack of commenting about his Baltoy lifting those rocks off the ground. If the gym leader wasn't talking about it, then it should be okay. He watched the battle continued another round, though this time more relaxed. He was relaxed after the little Baltoy spinning, and also relaxed knowing that the Ancient Power was super effective against the Metapod. No contemplating this time, as it was pretty straight forward! Well, this battle with the Metapod was straight forward after he switched out from the Cottonee.

"Looks like Metapod's strategy is defensive like Kakuna right? Bug Bite could do some damage to my part psychic type Baltoy, but my Baltoy isn't attacking physically like Rattata. Disco, another Ancient Power!" Ethan commented on the bug Pokemon, and then proceeded to give his order. The Baltoy hummed, and commenced the Ancient Power once more.