Giving Up The Ghost [F]

[Morrigan]

Leaving the nearby route much earlier than she had first anticipated, her swift training session had led to her Pokemon demanding more of a challenge, thus ending early. But if that was what her impatient Pokemon wanted, she was going to deliver. Unfortunately, Sharada was still in the queue for her next important mission, having lost some interest in the small and menial field tasks that were rolled in and made available more often. Thus, whilst she waited, the local Gym challenge was the only other option to take, it was more nail biting than battling wild Pokemon. It had been also been a while since the brunette had approached a Gym challenge under the premise of a normal trainer, rather than a Rocket. So when she returned to the Pokemon Centre to heal up her Pokemon and sneakily get changed out of her Rocket uniform and into her regular clothes, it was certainly an odd feeling. Tonight, it wasn't about bringing results back to Team Rocket. This was for Sharada and her team, to truly test their limits and to see how far they had come.

Wrapping herself up in her nice, warm jumper and knitted scarf, the female trainer stepped out into the night, her eyes looking up to the trails of stars in the clear sky. "Even if it is just for this one battle... It is nice to feel like a trainer again. No hard feelings or Rocket dealings. Just a simple battle between us and the Gym Leader." Her eyes scanning towards the shadows at the side of the Pokemon Centre, a pair of blue eyes stared back at her before the shape of Zoroark began to slowly form. "You won't have to put up with Team Rocket for much longer. Soon, we will find a way to destroy them. I am certain." Puffing up her cheeks before laughing playfully, she raised a hand and ruffled the head of Tenebrae. "You're right! We've just gotta keep going until then, hm? Besides. I'm kinda getting used to it." Sticking her tongue out as Tenebrae pulled a look of concern, the duo began making their way down the streets of Ecruteak, the sound of Sharada's boots clicking against the paved path.

"I wonder what kind of Gym this is? Our last battle was with Whitney but it was hardly a true Gym challenge. I practically stole the badge from her hand." Stretching her arms up into the air, she let out a delicate sigh. "I suppose we'll see once we get there." "...Are you... Nervous?" Suddenly cutting in with a curious tilt of his head, Sharada glanced to Tenebrae from the corner of her eye before smiling widely. "Haha! I suppose you could say that." Rubbing the back of her head warily, the two continued along the path, passing by numerous homes until they found their way outside of Gym. A traditional styled building which fit in with the city as a whole, Sharada was barely able to spot the tell tale Gym sign on the outside of the building. Standing before the doors, she tried to peak inside but it looked eerily dark. Pulling back, she turned to Tenebrae and raised his Pokeball in her grasp. "I may need you later. So return for now, okay?" Usually one to stay outside of his Pokeball, Tenebrae nodded understandingly. "Very well. I will practice my illusions, so be sure to summon me." Staring Sharada directly in the eye, he muttered a simple "Good luck" before finding himself being drawn inside.

Glancing down at the ball in her hand, she grasped onto it tightly before attaching it back to her belt and pushing her way in through the Gym doors. Despite it being near enough night time, it was still open, which was a bonus in itself. But the interior of the Gym was still very much dark. The ground lightly cloaked with an eerie purple haze, Sharada stepped her way in cautiously, looking around hesitantly before calling out for the Gym Leader. "Hello?! Is the Gym Leader here? I want to challenge them for the badge!" Hoping to get some kind of response, she didn't like the idea of standing in this darkness alone for too long.


OOC: Just as a small note, I have added a Swift Wing onto Gardevoir prior to this battle starting.

[Deleted]

The late hour upon which Sharada decided to visit his gym caught Morty off guard. Although his gym was never actually closed he rarely received a challenger during the night as the combination of his specificity of Ghost type Pokemon and the creepy design of his gym scared off would be challengers until the morning however Sharada was brave enough to take him on. As a small light appeared on the other side of the gym Morty came into her view. He was more than happy to battle at this hour as he welcomed her to his gym. " AH a visitor at this hour how splendid. It is wonderful to hear you wish to challenge me at this time of night."

As he slowly approached her an eerie fog engulfed the gym as a small number of lanterns began to light by themselves. The creepiness of the gym alone was enough to scare most people off but Sharada had come here with the intent of challenging him and not to be scared off like so many others. " I am so glad I will get to battle in the night as it is during this period that my Pokemon are at their strongest. Ghost type Pokemon are strong even during the day the the lack of light during the night allows them to perform even better as they are very hard to keep track of thanks to their transparent bodies and a lack of a physical existence. This should be a nice test of your skill." He said as he tossed the Pokeball he had in his hands.

He had no doubt as to which Pokemon he would start off with first and in a brilliant flash a Gastly appeared in front of him ready for a fight. " Are you ready my friend? This kind lady wishes to battle us at this wonderful hour and I think we should grant that request. It is very brave of her to come to this gym at this hour and it is the least we can do." He said as he waited on Sharada to make her move.

Gym leader Morty would like to battle. He sends out his Gastly (Level 28) to battle. Please select a Pokemon.

[Morrigan]

Awaiting some form of response, Sharada took a moment to scan her eyes across the interior of the Gym. Or atleast, what little she could see of it. Remaining by the entrance, at either side of her stood two large torches of some kind which were unlit. But as her eyes adjusted to the lack of light, she could very barely make out the almost gothic pattern etched into the wood work. Pulling an unimpressed facial expression, she took a step away and was ready to venture further into the Gym when a distant light caught her attention from the corner of her eye. A figure stepped through the darkness, followed by a voice whose words seemed to welcome her to the Gym. Figuring this to be the Gym leader, Sharada remained still and silent, finding him almost creepy, as if he were a ghost. Especially with how happy he was that she had decided to challenge him during the later hours of the day.

Continuing to approach, as the male figure walked several torches began to flicker with a dim light. The darkness still hung across the room but it gave Sharada a slightly better view than before. Standing before her was a fairly tall young man with a mess of blonde hair and a fairly fashionable outfit. Although his eyes unnerved her some, he spoke in a rather calm tone of voice and was surprisingly formal. Previous Gym Leaders of the region looked much younger than him and were more spunky and energetic. This was going to be a battle to take seriously, even more so when he dropped the biggest hint of the types of Pokemon he used. "Ghost type Pokemon?" Sharada spoke under her breath, mainly to herself. Her eyes examining her surroundings once again, she mumbled a quiet, "Suppose that makes sense." Not entirely prepared, she felt that the Pokemon she had on her side will bring victory one way or another. The brunette hadn't bumped into too many ghosts during her journey either but the ones she had always proved to be challenging opponents with numerous tricks up their sleeves.

With a throw of his Pokeball, the Gym Leader introduced his first choice, a Pokemon she had met and battled against a number of times. One being very recent. It was a Gastly, the hovering ball of purple gas baring large eyes and a wild grin. Smiling herself, Sharada figured it would be best to get the ball rolling. She had been quiet, trying to work out her own strategy but at times like this, it was best to just put her trust in her Pokemon. "So! This is a Ghost type Gym? Figures you would enjoy battling at night. Heh, I came here looking for a good challenge." Finally speaking out to him properly, she began to fidget her fingertips along her belt before plucking a lone Pokeball and holding it in her grasp. "My name is Sharada. I hope you can give me and my Pokemon the excitement we're looking for." Smirking somewhat, she threw her first choice forward, the ball opening in a flash to reveal the elegant form of Ninetales.

Standing on all four paws with her tails displayed behind her, Malina instantly stared the opposing Gastly down, the power of her Drought ability cranking up the burning flames of the lit torches. Throwing an arm forward, Sharada ordered a rather passionate, "Malina! Start this off with Extrasensory!" Her fire type knowing a move which would aid her in this Gym battle, the nine tailed vixen was eager to start the fight to test her strength.


OOC: Ninetales using Extrasensory.

[The REAL Joey]

~~ VS. Morty ~~

Steadfast at his end of the battlefield, Morty raised a hand to partially obscure the side of his face. Chuckling in a rather languished manner, he was pleased the female challenger appeared astute of the way of battle. For her to be aware of Ghost type Pokemon made her a whole other league to most of his other challengers. Many waltzed in, unprepared for the horrors that await them. "The pleasure is all mine. It may not be excitement in its typical form but we shall no doubt entertain all the same." His hands now falling to his sides, he bowed his head respectfully as he spoke out in his rather wispy way of speaking, having realised he had not fully introduced himself. "My name is Morty." Almost as if the gym leader was about to continue on, he stopped rather abruptly. Closing his eyes, he had a subtle albeit visible smile crease his lips as he raised a finger and tapped the side of his head. "Interesting... Very interesting. There's a lot more to you than meets the eye." Rather mysteriously finishing his words without going any further into what he had meant, Morty merely decided to engage in the challenge before him. "As you're likely aware, Ecruteak itself is very much unique in its connections with the world of spirituality and legends."

Narrowing his eyes whilst maintaining his languished smile, he concluded for once. "Where oh where do you fit in the grand scheme of things? I should witness you and your Pokemon's power first hand." Calling out to his Pokemon, the ghostly apparition rippled excitedly. "Gastly, it is time." His eyes darting over to the Ninetales which Sharada had summoned before them, Morty was already beginning to attune to Sharada's inner strengths as they represented themselves in the form of her Pokemon's abilities. Raising a hand to his scarf and loosening it some, there was no doubting at this point that the gym itself was becoming unbearably hot. As if a heatwave had set upon them. "How strange... Even in the dark of this moonlit light, there is an unusual heat accompanying your Pokemon. Intriguing..." Trailing off, he wiped a droplet of sweat from under his head band and gave his Pokemon orders. "Now Gastly, we shall start matters off with an Ominous Wind. Perchance cool off this sweltering heat." Despite his order, he would be outsped by the lithe agility of Malina. Merely standing in her spot of the battleground, the Pokemon's tails shimmered to and fro before a sudden flash was generated from her eyes. Turning from their red hue to that of a brightly glowing light, it was something Morty appeared impressed by.

Clapping his hands, he responded with a riveted applause. "Bravo, oh, bravo! Such a move... Extrasensory?" Having recognised the move from his many battles, he watched as the Ninetales' inner psychic abilities came to the fore and affected his Gastly. As if warping the Pokemon's very being, the Gastly shifted into a number of unbearable looking poses before another bright flash intensified, leaving a resounding shatter ringing out throughout the gym.



Gym Battle

---

Morty's Gastly | ♂ | Level 28 |
Health : 0% (0/63 HP)
Status : OHKO'd
...

Malina | ♀ | Level 31 |
Health : 100% (95/95 HP)
Status : Normal
Busting makes me feel good

---

Weather status: Heatwave

---

Victory!

---

Your Ninetales fought courageously and gained 1,400 Exp!
Malina also gained +1 Happiness!


Your Squirtle observed studiously and has levelled up!
Caesar gained 1 level thanks to the Exp. Share and is now Level 14!

---

Disappearing in a puff of darkly smoke, Morty continued clapping Malina's display. "Incredible. Return, Gastly!" Holding up a Pokeball, the dissipated smoke returned itself into the centre of the Pokeball as it retreated to sanctuary. Placing his Pokeball away, Morty looked back at Sharada with a curious glint to his eye. "There is more to you than meets the eye." Letting out another languished laugh, he explained. "Oh. I'm sorry. I realise you may be unsure of my gifts." Taking a moment to pause, he continued. "Since I was a young boy, I have stood by a tale I once heard. That a Pokemon once revered here in Ecruteak, a Pokemon of rainbow splendour will come down to appear before a truly powerful trainer. I believed that tale, so I have secretly trained here all my life for this very reason."

Pausing once more, perhaps again for dramatic effect, he let his words sink in before continuing on. "As a result, I can now see what others cannot. It appears I have a stronger connection to the spirit world than most thanks to my efforts." Stopping, he closed his eyes, a hand now bracing his forehead. "I see a shadow... A shadow... Yes... Of the person who will make that Pokemon appear." Opening his eyes, he looked at Sharada with an intensity previously devoid of his usual wilted self, his voice raising in an alarmed manner. "I believe that person is me! You're going to help me reach that level!" Tossing forward his next Pokeball, he sent out a Pokemon that was no doubt similar to the one he had used before. However this one bore a more corporeal form. Swooshing about in and out of the darkness of the gym, it eventually revealed itself as Morty called out its name. "Haunter! I require your assistance!" Morty was certainly an unusual person. Wispy and genteel in a manner evocative of his Gastly's appearance, it seemed as if this side of Morty was no more. The Haunter's presence appeared to stir Morty's being. Now animated, he shook his head as if realising something else. "My visions... They impart much to me. As I had surmised earlier, there is more to you than meets the eye." Chuckling to himself, he finished his sentence. "Yes... A person of your calibre will certainly assist in helping me achieve my goal."

---

Morty sends out Haunter (Level 30)!
Do you wish to switch Pokemon?

---

[Morrigan]

Despite the radiant heat given off by her Ninetales flooding the room, Sharada still felt chills shoot up her back. This was simply a challenge as a trainer against a Gym leader, or that is what she originally hoped. As Morty introduced himself, his words also became vague, particularly in regards to Sharada herself. The way he spoke heavily implied that he could see into her very soul and already knew the truth behind the brunette. Or was this simply a ploy to make her nervous and feel paranoid? "Heh. What are you trying to say? I'm not like most inexperienced trainers. I am going to be taking your badge." Either way, he had been successful. Feeling a bead of sweat roll down the side of her face, likely due to Malina's Drought ability heating up the area, Sharada remained still and quiet as Morty continued with his monologue.

Trying to feign her uncertainty of this obscured male, she pulled a smirk in the corner of her lips, "Do you really think you can cool my Ninetales off? You wont even get the chance!" Focusing on the battle, she was here for a reason. If Morty could truly see what Sharada was yet he was continuing with the battle, it just meant that she had to pull out all of the stops in order to win. Malina, being a very graceful and elegant Pokemon, barely needed to even lift a paw to take the Gastly down. Using her new found psychic power, the nine tailed fox struck the gaseous orb down with ease, landing Sharada with her first victory. Grinning, Sharada celebrated under her breath and as Morty withdrew his fainted partner, the brunette did the same. "Come back for now, Malina!" Tilting her head to the side in a snooty manner, the disappointed beast was withdrawn and with it, Sharada was left face to face with Morty.

Once again, he brought up his mysterious, riddle like words but this time, a bit of back story came with it. "A Rainbow Pokemon?" Sharada muttered audibly under her breath and soon fell into silence, a pondering look spreading across her face. Was this strange creature the reason behind Tenebrae's odd behaviour? There were often tales in Hoenn on what most would dub Legendary beings, was this Johto's own? Shaking her head subtly, it was something she couldn't confirm right now. Instead, she turned back to face Morty, "So, you got some weird connection with the undead? Well, I don't know what you think you know about me but I'll be sure to do my best... Though I don't think my goals will help you in any way." Thinning her eyes, she watched as the next Pokemon to be sent out was a Haunter. Immediately going for her own second choice, Sharada plucked a Pokeball from her belt and with the intention of sending out one Pokemon, something else emerged.

Despite Tenebrae's ball being clenched in her fingertips, the image of her Persian, Cheshire, stood before her. Perfect down to the feline's very grin. Blinking slowly, it seemed even Sharada was unsure about this choice and even looked ready to withdraw him when a sudden, "Order a move." entered her mind. Confirming that this was indeed Tenebrae simply using his power of illusions to take form of a different Pokemon in her party, Sharada was more surprised as the improvement of her Zoroark's power. Breaking her own silence, the brunette threw an arm forward, "Cheshire! Use Dark Pulse!" She didn't know if it was impossible for Persian to know Dark Pulse, likely making this distraction even more obvious than it was previously. But playing along, the illusive Zoroark went straight for the Haunter, a dark orb forming within his grinning maw.


OOC: Tenebrae uses Illusion to change into Persian and uses Dark Pulse. (Squirtle is just here for levels and not met properly in RP yet, so I said Cheshire instead of Squirtle to transform into.)

[Tiki]

"Yes, a rainbow Pokemon. It has all the colors of rainbow on the Pokemon. It's quite majestic too." Morty smiled, replying to Sharada. "Well, maybe you don't think of it this way, but I'm sure even now, you're helping me with my goal. Now, let's get on the battle, shall we?... And you sent out a Persian? Haunter, Confuse Ray!" Morty responded, while trying to keep his mysteriousness for now, he probably had told enough to Sharada to introduce himself as an interesting character.

The ghost type's eyes glowed red, in an attempt to confuse the Persian with blinding light. However, just as the Haunter was about to shot a beam of light to confuse the "Persian"'s perception, the Zoroark in illusion fired a Dark Pulse, completely canceling the light and went straight toward the Haunter, knocking it out in one hit.

"That is quite a powerful Dark Pulse. I am not surprised that you would use a normal type Pokemon, but to teach it a move that hits ghost type too is an excellent strategy. You did a great job, Haunter, return! Now, normally a lot of trainers don't get to defeat both my Gastly and my Haunter. You had surpassed that and I will give you one more opponent. Gengar, you have a worthy foe, come on out!" Morty congratulated Sharada. Even though he was talking as if Sharada was sending out her Persian, he wasn't giving hint either if he knew or didn't that the Persian was actually Zoroark. Sure, he have some supernatural power, but could that power extends to seeing through masks of the living?

---

Tenebrae gained 2250 (50*30*1.5) for defeating Haunter!
2523/2977 to next level!
He gained 1 happiness, now +13!


Caesar is now level 15 from EXP share!


Morty sent out his (Level 34) Gengar!

[Morrigan]

Standing across the battle grounds, Sharada eyed Morty curiously. The way he spoke hadn't been entirely clear and she was suspicious of what he knew and what he didn't. It wasn't good for her to visibly show confusion in her expression but at that point, she couldn't quite help it. Any sign of weakness would only work against her, especially in a Gym battle. But it was because Sharada had so much to hide that she was on edge and when faced with the potential of being found out, she would instantly tense up. Covering up her side job, as such, was something that the brunette was still learning to control. However, there was still the chance that Morty was merely an eccentric character and would chatter nonsense to all the challengers that passed through the doors. If he knew the truth or not, the battle hadn't been shoved to the side lines which could only mean that he was fine to continue. Which was good. Sharada was there for a Gym badge, after all.

"Be careful of that Confuse Ray, Ten-C-Cheshire!" Making a very audible slip up which could've cost Tenebrae his disguise, the slick mimic of the Persian aimed straight for the floating ball of gas. Conjuring up an attack of his own, it didn't take an awful lot of will power to blast through the attack, thrown by the Haunter and extinguish it with a strike of dark mass of energy. Comforted by the strength of her Pokemon, Sharada was able to cover her paranoia with a stern glare. If it was a Gym Leader such as Morty or anyone else along her journey, Sharada knew that the Pokemon she had trained would always stick by her side, despite her poor decision making. Landing back in front of his trainer, Tenebrae kept up the guise of Cheshire and together, the trainer and Pokemon watched and listened as the Haunter was withdrawn back into it's Pokeball. Learning that there was a third opponent, Sharada exhaled softly and exchanged a glance with Tenebrae.

With a stern twitch of her head, Sharada gestured the 'Persian' back to her side. Not withdrawing him back into his Pokeball, Tenebrae instead moved his false, feline self away from the Gym battle and sat neatly by the side of Sharada, to watch the remainder of the battle. "After a Gastly and a Haunter, I'm not so surprised to hear Gengar is up... Let's see what it can do." Not entirely enthusiastic, Sharada was aware of the strength of the ghost type and as a strategy spun in her mind, she decided to take a gamble. Both equally strong yet weak against one another, the Pokeball Sharada had chosen was tossed forward and with it, burst the elegant figure of Delphine, her Gardevoir. The psychic type's crimson red eyes staring threateningly at the opponents before her, all Sharada could do was cross her fingers and hope that it would end in her favour.

The duo had prepped beforehand with a special item but the speed of Gengar still wasn't something to look down upon. In the worst case scenario, there were other Pokemon to take over if Delphine were to fall but the brunette wasn't prepared to damage the Gardevoir's pride for a Gym badge. "Delphine. I'm counting on you." Feeling the eyes of her trainer linger on her back, the Gardevoir flicked an arm out in front of her and as if reading Sharada's mind, began to prep her attack whilst Sharada spoke the words. "Delphine! Use Psychic on the Gengar!"


OOC: Just reminding next mod that Gardevoir is holding a Swift Wing~

[The REAL Joey]

~~ VS. Morty ~~

A little disheartened by how easily he was being tackled, Morty rested a hand on the front of his face as he composed himself. Thoughts running through his mind, he attempted to steel himself for the final round. "Remember... Remember... You will only become worthy in the face of adversity." Lowering his hand, he was a little perplexed at Sharada's next choice. "You summon forth a Pokemon that is feeble to the ethereal power of my Ghost type Pokemon? Could it be you too are trying to prove something here?" Shaking his head, his eyes began to scrutinise Sharada even further. The powers gifted to him of clairvoyance meant he could usually read a person eerily well. Although sometimes it was hard to tone down all the white noise and focus in on what was truly there. Sharada appeared to be one such of those cases. Straining his mind's eye, his gifts somehow presented her to him in crystal clarity. What he saw was intriguing to say the least. There was a lot to take in and as he did, his mouth was agape, visibly taken aback.

"You... Are a very strong individual." Ambiguous in what he was referring to, there was a definite look of knowing in his eyes. Somehow he had ascertained Sharada in her entirety. "You play all these roles... Many would think you a villainous cur but in actuality, you are doing this in the name of good." A small smile creeping over his face, Morty concluded what he had seen. There was no doubt he had witnessed in his visions her role as a member of Team Rocket but he had also distilled that she was ultimately on the side of what was right. "Truly, yours is a future worth watching. But I digress, all this talk of the future when the present is unfolding right before us." Brushing aside Sharada had sent forth a Gardevoir, he knew at this point to not take her lightly. Every move she made was a calculated, all of which would lead to tipping the scales in her favour. "Gengar, be wary. This trainer and her Pokemon are serious."

"Thankfully our speed is our advantage here. Make sure you unleash a Shadow Ball and secure us this round." Letting out a malevolent cackle, the Gengar turned to focus specifically on Gardevoir. Flopping out its tongue and licking it about menacingly, there was no reason to doubt the Pokemon would wreck serious damage if it got its assault in. However, this would not come to light. As Morty envisioned earlier, Sharada was a trainer who plotted her strategy out meticulously. Aware of Gardevoir's shortfall in terms of speed, the Pokemon had been entrusted with a miraculous item. Thrusting out one arm at the Gengar, Delphine began to concentrate her ludicrous psychic ability, ready to tear the Pokemon in half. In the other, a brilliant emerald wing was clutched. Simply by holding onto this feather was enough to improve her litheness. Spending no time at all in channelling her powers, a sudden gouging of psychic power ripped through the stadium, impacting the Gengar and tearing him into shreds. The sudden burst of energy filled the stadium, leaving silence in its wake.



Gym Battle

---

Morty's Gengar | ♂ | Level 34 |
Health : 0% (0/95 HP)
Status : OHKO'd
...

Delphine | ♀ | Level 33 |
Health : 100% (98/98 HP)
Status : Normal; Speed +1
And stay dead

---

Weather status: Heatwave

---

Victory!

---

Your Gardevoir fought courageously, gained 1,700 Exp and is now Level 34!
Delphine also gained +1 Happiness!


Your Squirtle observed studiously and has levelled up!
Caesar gained 1 level thanks to the Exp. Share and is now Level 16!
They would like to learn the move Bite. Delete a move so this can be learnt?
A blinding light engulfs Caesar, intervene?!

---

The dark shadows of the stadium secreting the majority of Morty's visage from view, it meant it was hard to get a read on what the seer was feeling. He had been a rather eccentric gym leader to say the least. Blessed and cursed with the power of clairvoyance and a burning desire to become the one in his visions that meets the rainbow avian of legend, it was possible this would cause a massive outcry. However, shattering the silence was a slow pattern of claps that echoed out. Clapping his hands together, Morty looked up, his face genteel in appearance. He was taking it remarkably well. "Sharada... That was an incredible display of skill and strength. You've no doubt developed a lot on your journey with the road still not over. If the visions I have seen are anything to go by, you will reach dizzying heights. The affairs you are embroiled in at the moment, deadly as they may be, will not last forever. In your future... I see... Brightness. It's hard to put to words." His face sporting a subtle smile, he reached into his pockets and pulled out a number of items.

"Here. In order to achieve this bright future I have envisioned, I would like to be thought of as a contributing factor in you reaching there. I impart to you this gym's badge, the Fog Badge. A sign of your ability, it also allows Pokemon to ride the waves. No doubt a useful need in progressing to your destiny. Oh but there's more. I hand you funds and also this gym's special technique. A move I helped develop, none other than Shadow Ball." Placing these all in her hands, Morty explained a bit more about shadow ball. "Had Gengar attacked first, there is little doubt your Pokemon would have survived. The move is powerful, a channelling of the spectral world into a chaotic orb that lay wastes to your opponents. Use it well." Standing back to look at Sharada, his defeated ghosts now appearing beside him, he let out a languished chuckle. "Fear not, your secret is safe with me. I have seen your future and I know should I intervene it would only lead to disaster. Given you are fighting for what is right, I have no need to bother myself with your affairs."

Distracted momentarily, he grasped his head and appeared to be lost in another of his visions. Brushing aside the sudden flood of future events, he looked up and nodded. "Good... I still foresee my dream. A trainer meeting the bird of legend. This defeat is a setback but it serves to remind me I need to work twice as hard to cement myself as the faceless trainer in the vision." Bowing his head, he boded her farewell. "Good luck Sharada... Know you have the strength inside of you to achieve greatness."

---

Gym CLEAR!

---

Congratulations!
You have bested Morty and claimed the glory of victory!
The ghost Pokemon enthusiast awards you with £3,720,
TM30 Shadow Ball and the Fog Badge!

[Morrigan]

The battle thus far had gone smoothly, much to Sharada's surprise. The brunette had been out in the field for so long, training both herself and her Pokemon, that it almost felt unfair. Of course, this wasn't the case entirely. Sharada had her team had come a long way since she had departed Newbark Town with her Starter Pokemon in tow. Since then, she had infiltrated Team Rocket and despite her emotions creating a bond or two with some of the other criminals, her ultimate goal was to take them down. Throughout her journey, Sharada had always told herself how weak she was when infact, she hadn't noticed just how strong she had become. Eyes wide, it was the eccentric character of Morty who had slowly begun to make her realise this. Snapping out of her thoughts at his question, the ghostly Gym Leader appeared to question her choice. Agreeably, Sharada did too. She wasn't the type of girl to make a gamble if her Pokemon would receive harm from it but this time, she held a great deal of trust in Delphine. Clearing her throat, she shook her head slightly from side to side. "I simply trust in my Pokemon."

Although her words were blunt, she figured that there would be some sort of response. But instead, with a hand gently resting on his face, Morty had already tried to delve into the future to see just what Sharada was about. Seeing both her past and upcoming obstacles, he sudden statement of her being strong staggered the female on the spot. An embarrassed flush spreading lightly across her cheeks, was there some truth in what he had been saying earlier. "Where... Did that come from?!" A little flustered, she fell quiet as he spoke his reasoning further, the way he spoke heavily implying that he did indeed know just what she was. Still. Even if he had learnt all this information about her, she still wasn't prepared to actually speak any thoughts of the matter from her own lips, just yet. This had been the first time meeting Morty and as eccentric as he was, perhaps this was some sort of ploy to lure her into openly admitting her role and then being arrested shortly after. In a nut shell; she still didn't quite trust him. Even if his sudden statement did make her feel uplifted.

Soon enough, the battle returned to the forefront of their minds. With a wing in hand, previously given to her by Sharada, the Gardevoir felt so much more swift in her movements. Not even moving from the place she had been summoned, the elegant creature struck with her psychic abilities, tearing her opponent to shreds. Then, complete silence fell upon the Gym. Hearing nought but her own breath, Sharada waited in anticipation. Morty had been an eccentric character and she had tried not to respond to his words regarding what she did. But even so, as a loud clap resounded throughout the Gym, she looked up in surprise to see him approach her. Swaying backward, her Gardevoir moved to the side of Sharada, whilst Tenebrae kept up his own disguise and edged closer to the brunette. The idea of victory not quite sinking in, it was Morty who had to congratulate her verbally before it even felt real. Being told once again that she was strong, it was a subject that she chose to avoid. As for Sharada, she was determined to become stronger in every sense and where she currently stood, it was not good enough. Atleast in her own mind.

Accepting the usual trio of money, a badge and the special TM, the move was certainly something she was going to make good use out of. Ready to thank Morty for the battle and continue on her way, him bringing the same subject up once more forced her to pause. Sighing softly, she just couldn't help herself anymore. "I realise what I am doing is dangerous. At first, it was such a silly reason, I just wanted to make him like me... But now, I understand that there is a lot more at risk. A lot more that needs to be protected. I may not be able to do it all alone but I want to atleast try." Keeping her own explanation ambiguous, if he had truly see anything, then she need not say more. Exchanging a smile with Morty after she placed her rewards away, she added on final thing. "If we happen to meet again, just know that I am sorry." Bowing her head, the brunette took a slight step backward, "Thank you for the battle and acknowledging the strength of my Pokemon. I also hope that the vision of that rainbow Pokemon comes true for you." Rallying up her team, Sharada gave a slight wave before turning her back to him, "Truly. Thank you. And goodbye." With slow steps and a new badge in hand, Sharada left the Gym. Her time as a trainer was short and now she had to return to her Rocket ways.


OOC: I hate it when you make a post and press backspace accidentally and it completely wipes everything. -__- I swear I had that save draft thing ticked, oh well.