Here Begins the Journey [F]

[The REAL Joey]

Tracking towards the destination of Cherrygrove, there was going to be a delay in the arrival of the next area. All the while Marshall had been exploring the expanse between the two settlements, there had also been someone else who had started off on their journey. Keeping his distance for the time being, he had wanted to grow stronger before taking on the martial artist. Figuring now was as good as any other time, he decided to make his presence known. An aggressive voice sounding off to Marshall's side, it appeared the owner of the voice had been keeping out of the hailstones by nestling under the canopies of the trees. "You! Stop right there!" Giving Marshall a moment to orientate himself to the source, the voice of the owner cocked his head to the side as he stared down the trainer. Bearing a striking appearance, it was hard not to be drawn to his maroon coloured hair and silver coloured eyes.

The moody looking teenager and his angst filled countenance didn't appear warm in the slightest, if anything, it was akin to the miserable weather they were experiencing. His hand casually slipping into one of his pockets and the other left hanging by his side, the youth called out and didn't appear to be in the mindset of making friends with Marshall. It appeared he viewed Marshall as a sort of rival. "Hmph. I've been watching you." Gesturing off in the direction from whence Marshall had come from, it seemed he had seen the Wurmple bite the dust. "Unlike most of the bleeding heart trainers i've come across, you left the Wurmple alone upon its defeat. Most idiots would take it under its wing under the pretence they would be friends, together forever only to dump it at the nearest opportunity. You're at least a peg higher than most." At this point, it became very much clear he was out to test Marshall. "I was waiting for someone to come along to test out my skills. I'd rather it not be against some idiotic cakewalk of a trainer. You'll do."

Now sporting a vindictive smile, he took his hand out of his pocket and made aware he had a Pokemon of his own. Tossing it forward, it revealed a deeply nervous looking fire mouse. The reason for its nerves would soon be made obvious. "Stupid fire rat, of all the Pokemon I could have stolen and it just so happened to be your sorry hide." His voice full of resentment and venom, he bore into the Cyndaquil further and growled. "After the training i've given you, you had best prove your worth." Demonstrating he was something of a rotten apple, it would be up to Marshall and his team to put this mysterious teenager in his place.



Silver Encounter

---

??? demands a fight!


He sends forth Cyndaquil (Level 7), who looks around nervously!
Please select a Pokemon for battle.
Hail will be in effect.

[Noerd]

As Marshall was ordered to stop, he quickly turned around to address the owner of the rather sharp-sounding voice. His appearance was quite the surprise, and Marshall couldn’t help but notice his peculiarly coloured eyes. Something in those eyes made the young Cianwood native think that this guy wasn’t exactly the friendliest sort. This oddly pleased Marshall; he’d been waiting for a good fight, and what better opponent than one who had no intention of holding back or ‘just having fun’? That latter notion rather irked Marshall. The fun of battles was the idea of not holding back and giving every single attack your all. At least, if this boy was indeed going to fight him, he’d fight well. Marshall grinned and listened to the red head’s monologue as his own mind started buzzing. Yet another intriguing turn of events, and so soon. This adventure was bound to be a good one after all.

As the mysterious boy started mentioning how he’d watched the Wurmple fight, Marshall started to feel a little disappointed. The way he was speaking was more that of a kid… a spoilt, self-entitled kid. Marshall was immature himself, but even he could recognise this. If he really was that young, was this all just bravado? Would he even put up a fight? Marshall could only wonder, but he wasn’t going to turn down a battle now. He’d been waiting too long for a real test for Darius, even if it had only been an hour or so since he’d caught the Spearow. He answered the boy with an amused tone to his voice. “Well, thanks for the compliment, I guess…” Marshall chuckled softly before continuing, his tone changing to one of incredible confidence. “If you wanna battle that much, then I’ll take you on. I’ve been itching for a good trainer to face, and it sounds like you might be tough. I hope you’re not all talk.” With that, he pulled out a Pokéball and watched to see what his new opponent might release.

Once the Cyndaquil made its appearance, Marshall’s expression changed to one of disappointment. The Fire type was clearly incredibly anxious. He wondered if it even wanted to battle, let alone if it was able to. As the boy continued to berate his Pokémon seemingly just for existing, Marshall sighed and replied to the verbally abusive brat. “You know, if it sucks that much you shouldn’t brag about your skills…” Marshall finally threw out his own Pokéball once he’d finished, releasing Darius once more. The Spearow landed on the ground and looked up at the stranger in front of him, glaring with a hungered look in his eyes. He took one look at the Cyndaquil and scoffed, not exactly impressed by its lack of desire or confidence. Darius looked up at his trainer for reassurance, and Marshall replied simply with a nod. The Spearow nodded in return, hoping his trainer had realised how concerned he was that he’d get another dud of a battle. The only reason he’d shown any respect to his new trainer in the first place was because he seemed like one who could appreciate a good fight. Marshall cleared his throat and gave his first commands for the match. “OK, Darius, let’s give ‘em a quick Peck!” Darius obliged, rushing into the fray as quick as his wings would allow.

[Hunter]

Vs. Rival Silver

---

The eager crimson haired teenager was fired up and ready to fight, his will to win and drive to crush others on his way to the top was the only motivation that he needed to brave the freezing cold weather. Silver glared enviously towards the pokemon that Marshall had released onto their makeshift battlefield, it's appearance looked tough, alot more menacing than his own fire mouse pokemon. As the quicker of the two fighting pokemon Darius the Spearow rushed towards Silver's Cyndaquil and pecked the the fire type pokemon several times with it's beak and dealt a fair amount of damage.

"Don't you let me down pipsqueak, that training better not have all been for nothing! Hit the bird with Tackle!"

Cyndaquil was shivering, both due to the cold weather and the nerves that had built up, the pressure to perform to please its trainer was weighing upon its small frame. The small fire mouse pokemon opened its mouth and shot round balls of fire towards Marshall's Spearow,Torchic opens its mouth and shoots round balls of fire at the opponent. Much like Darius the Spearow's attack this attack from Silver's Cyndaquil appeared to have hit the mark and dealt a fair amount of damage, surely the pair of trainers and their partners would freeze over if they were to stay outdoors for too much longer!

"Just my luck to be left with such a weak excuse for a pokemon!"

---

Pokemon Trainer Battle

Silver's Cyndaquil | Level 7 |
Health: 70% (17/24 HP)
Status: Normal
Uses Tackle!

VS

Marshall's Darius | Level 7 |
Health: 70% (17/24 HP)
Status: Normal
Uses Peck!

---

Weather Status: ❄ - It's freezing out here! (-1 HP for Silver's Cyndaquil and Marshall's Darius due to Hail)

---

[Noerd]

As the battle started, Marshall watched with anticipation etched across his face as he wondered just how strong this Fire type was. He was somewhat familiar with the Fire type, it being a popular choice among newer trainers. He’d seen its evolved forms in particular and knew their strength well, but the nerves that this young Cyndaquil had been showing still had him a little concerned about how good the match would be. Darius didn’t seem anywhere near as bothered right now; he had a job to do, and he was going to do it as well as he could. It appeared he had quite some trust in his trainer already. Making a beeline for Cyndaquil, he pecked at it without mercy which brought a slight thrill from Marshall again as the excitement of battle came over him once more. Stifling a squeal of glee, Marshall watched for the opponent’s counterattack.

The Fire Mouse’s as yet unnamed trainer continued to talk down to his partner, which confused Marshall a little. He’d always assumed that it was best if a trainer at least tried to encourage his Pokémon, yet here was a person with an entirely different philosophy. One that seemed to be based on fear and control. Was this the norm for Pokémon training then… or was the red-haired fellow just an oddball? Cyndaquil gave the closest thing to an answer that Marshall was likely to receive any time soon, as it picked itself up and slammed back into Darius. The Spearow reeled back in shock as much as pain, having not at all expected such strength from the nervous wreck stood before him. Marshall’s eyes lit up as he saw the Fire type’s response.

“Whoa, they almost look evenly matched. This is gonna be close.” he muttered a little under his breath, but his counterpart’s response was completely contrary to this. Unable to contain his distaste, Marshall spoke up. “Whoa, whoa, hold it there. Weak? That Tackle was plenty strong. You call that weak, and you’re calling my Spearow weak. We’re not gonna take that lying down!” He looked over at Darius, whose eyes were now back on him and evidently waiting for new orders. “Show this guy another Peck attack, Darius! We’ve gotta win this now; our own pride’s on the line!” The Spearow nodded in response and charged forward as he had before.

[The REAL Joey]

~~ VS. ??? ~~

Demonstrating a cocky smirk, the contemptuous youth appeared to enjoy riling up Marshall as he defended the strength of his Pokemon. "Hmph, struck a nerve? Perhaps deep down you know this feathered Rattata is going to be the first on your list you'll box when you come across stronger Pokemon. Come on. Like I said earlier, i've watched you. You left the Wurmple for dead. Having seen what this stupid bird can do i'm surprised you didn't leave this on the wayside too." Clearly out on the warpath to goad Marshall into a rage, it was debatably part of his battle strategy. Get the enemy so worked up they were lured into making a mistake. Nevertheless, persevering through the abusive tirade, Marshall appeared to focus his thoughts on winning this and in doing so bolstered Darius' confidence. Commanding out with a clear, definite order meant the antagonistic teen would have to do the same. "Tch, so you're going to keep up with this?" Glaring down at his Cyndaquil, the abusive youth spared no kindness for his own Pokemon. He definitely never received any hugs as a kid. "Alright you blithering rat, if you want to impress me, you'll have to give this next Tackle all your might. Remember how we crushed those other trainers? More of that. Less of your snivelling." Booting his foot forward up the Cyndaquil's rear, it yelped and staggered forward. This was definitely not the way to raise your Pokemon.

Facing off for another round, the two Pokemon both given their orders, it would seem the fight would drag on. No matter how much the rival would like to admit it, their Pokemon were quite evenly matched. In terms of strength, stamina... Even speed. This time around though, the Cyndaquil seemed to edge out on its attack. Whether it was thanks to the teen's aggressive style of ordering it about or the fact it genuinely wanted to gain his approval was a hard call but nevertheless it dashed forwards before lifting off the ground and tackling full body into Darious. Sending the avian back with a jolt, the Spearow wasn't about to give up so easily. Flapping his wings to counter balance the force of the tackle, the bird flew forwards as it struck out its beak in a pecking motion. Causing both Pokemon to rebound away from the other, the male seemed disappointed in how the fight was unfolding but had observed his Cyndaquil in gaining a small upper hand in the last confrontation. "See what I said? That Spearow is worthless." Folding his arms and cocking his head to the side with a sardonic look etched into his expression, the stranger was definitely trying to push Marshall's buttons. "Must've beaten that Wurmple by the skin of its beak." About to gloat, he was interrupted as a sudden bucketing down of hail arrived. Striking both their Pokemon, it only served to wear both of them out.



Rival Battle

---

???'s Cyndaquil | ♂ | Level 7 |
Health : 45% (11/24 HP)
Status : Normal
Wish I got cheered on...

Darius | ♂ | Level 7 |
Health : 37% (9/24 HP)
Status : Normal
Peck off

---

Weather status: Hail

---

OOC: Just a small note about hail damage. 1/16th or 6.25% of 24 is 1.5. As we round up decimals the damage would be 2. Corrected for this fight but just making sure it's known moving forwards.

[Noerd]

The constant teasing coming from the redhead was a little hard for Marshall to take. How dare this kid insult a Pokémon that Marshall had chosen himself? He knew that this little Spearow was a perfectly capable little fighter and it was becoming even more obvious just how evenly matched the two were. The Cyndaquil’s trainer barked his latest orders before kicking it, which made Marshall wince in sympathy for the poor creature. How was a trainer this cruel managing to get so much strength out of one Pokémon? Marshall wondered for a brief second if he should be doing the same and looked down at his Spearow. As he imagined kicking the poor thing, he realised just how hard it was to go through with. After all, he didn’t want to risk permanently harming his prized Pokémon already. Little did he realise that he was already bonding with his Spearow. At any rate, he resolved that, for now at least, he’d try to find other ways to bring out the best in his Pokémon. After all, maybe this guy was just lucky enough to find an amazing Cyndaquil. Just as Marshall had been lucky to find Darius. Right now, the idea that his Spearow was distinctly average still wasn’t crossing his mind.

With all the thoughts going through Marshall’s head, it seemed an age had passed by the time the Pokémon actually started moving. Once again, rather unsurprisingly, the two attacks seemed almost identical in power and eventual result. Darius cawed loudly as the second Tackle hit his body, really starting to feel the damage rack up now. This exchange, of course, brought yet another scathing remark from the still-unnamed individual stood opposite. It was almost as if the trainer had absolutely no respect for a fellow battler at all. For all Marshall’s selfishness, arrogance and numerous other flaws, one thing he could boast was a good sense of respect to his equals. The idea that his opponent was undermining this was rather disgusting to the young adult. Marshall bit his tongue, determined not to say anything that’d draw another insult, and contemplated his next move. He still had Hercule in the wings, but 2 on 1 was blatantly unfair. He wasn’t planning on sinking that low just for a win. He thought back to his items and recalled his Potions… was now the time to pull one out? He didn’t think so… and besides, if he could just land the first hit here… he should be able to . That left him with only the attacks Darius knew.

“OK, Darius… we’re almost there. Give this thing another Peck! Make it count, because it might just be the last!” Marshall crossed his fingers, hoping this would do the trick. He wasn’t particularly superstitious… that stuff was for idiots who needed something to lean on, but right now he could use all the luck he could get. Hypocrisy wasn’t a word in his dictionary.

[Blazey]

~~ VS. ? ~~

The Unknown Trainer noticed as thier opponent didn't say anything else apart from tell his Spearow to attack once more with Peck. "Come on you Rat use Tackle and knock this weak Bird out!" The unknown trainer shouted making the Cyndaquil wince a bit more charging at the Spearow. Unlucky for the Cyndaquil though the male Spearow was just too quick on the mark and couldn't do anything but take the multiple pecks it was met with. Cyndaqil quickly shook it's head after Darius stop and takleed the bird while it had it's chance. This cause Cyndawuil and Darius to move apart luckily for both of them. They were both on the last legs and soon by thier heavy breathing. At that moment the hail striked again hitting both pokemon causing some damage. Both pokemon however manage to find strength to stand up again. "Pathetic..you had better knock them out next turn you rat" The unknown man said unhappy with how this battle was going.




Rival Battle

---

?'s Cyndaquil | ♂ | Level 7 |
Health : 12% (3/24 HP)
Status : Normal
Please just fall...

Darius | ♂ | Level 7 |
Health : 8% (2/24 HP)
Status : Normal
Sorry no can do

---

Weather status: Hail (-2HP due to Hail)

---

[Noerd]

With the battle reaching its climax, Marshall’s mind was still partly on his opponent. The boy’s initial challenge had filled him with so much hope but, even though the battle was everything he’d hoped for, the distaste he was feeling for this new face was rather spoiling the mood. He’d grown pretty used to the abuse that was being hurled at Cyndaquil at this point, but this trainer didn’t seem to even be enjoying the battle. That hadn’t occurred to Marshall all that much so far, but now that his mind was free from the worries of how to raise Pokémon he was able to turn his attention to the redhead himself. This sudden realisation that his opponent seemed to battle just for the sake of winning soured any lingering respect Marshall had for him. Battles had to have a purpose in his eyes. He was used to people saying that fights weren’t to be enjoyed, however wrong that opinion might have been, but at least everyone had some kind of motive. Heck, even Marshall had a reason to battle everything he set eyes on. But this kid just seemed to want to win. Of course, Marshall wouldn’t know the lad’s motives even if he had any, but this wasn’t a thought that ever occurred to him.

Snapping back to reality, Marshall watched as the two Pokémon duked it out, unsurprised to see them both standing and rather battered by the end of it. It seemed as though one attack from either party would end it. They looked matched for speed, too. It’d be a coin flip. Heads, a victory; tails, a loss. Loss… that word echoed in Marshall’s mind. Could he really bear to lose here? Could he stand losing to a boy who was so… wrong? So absolutely disgusting? Could he leave this battle down to chance? Marshall already knew the answer. He reached into the side pocket of his rucksack and called out to the battlefield.

“Darius, get over here. It’s time to win this!” The Spearow, a little confused, tottered over to his trainer. Marshall leaned down and quickly whipped out a Potion, spraying it all over his precious Pokémon while doing his best to keep the bottle out of view. He felt slightly embarrassed about hedging his bets here, regardless of how legal it was to use items on one’s Pokémon. He whispered to Darius, reassuring him that any pain was temporary and that he’d feel better soon. Once the healing session was over, the young adult quickly stowed away the empty bottle and called out his final orders for the battle. “OK, finish this up with one last Peck, Darius!” The stupid, wrong-opinioned brat was going to get it now.

[Marshall uses one Potion; Darius uses Peck.]

[Morrigan]

vs Rival Silver
__________________________________

As the hail continued to fall across the battle field, the red headed teenager across from Marshall still wasn't giving up his moody or superior attitude, even despite being moments away from losing, himself. Both the Cyndaquil and Spearow were on level ground in terms of strength and that was to be expected from a pair of new trainers. But for some strange reason, this guy had appeared out of nowhere with a high and mighty attitude when he was quite frankly fresh out of the bottom of the barrel himself. There was nothing out of the ordinary about him, apart from his incredibly closed mind and lack of knowing how to give respect to others. In a way, it was easy to pity a boy such as him. "Huh... What are you up to?" His questioned under his breath as Marshall called his Spearow back to his side. Noticing the lone Potion, the red head chuckled, almost in disbelief. "Hah. Hahaha! I see! Your weak bird can't defeat even a runt like this without some help? Hah!... As I said. You should've just left it, like that Wurmple." His laughter ceasing, the boy looked down his nose with a heavy stare. "You really should take my advice. But maybe you really are just another goody-two-shoes trainer after all."

Sneering his top lip, the boy looked down to his own Pokemon. Now that Darius had been all healed up, it was clearer to see just how much of a sorry state the nervous Cyndaquil was in. Battered not only by the Spearow but also the hail and even it's own trainer, there was no way that it would be able to recover and turn the battle around by this point. "And what are you waiting for?" The trainer spat, as the Cyndaquil wearily glanced over it's shoulder to await an order, only to shudder fearfully. "You wont be getting any sympathy or help from me. Hurry and use Tackle!" Scooting along with a bit of a pained limp, the Cyndaquil preferred the idea of its current state rather than how it would possibly end up if it lost this match. Tackling it's body forward, the fiery rodent threw its entire body at Darius but by this point, there was very little need to continue. The falling hail had been chipping away at its health and now, it was hanging on by the skin of its teeth. Tripping to the ground, the Cyndaquil glanced upward ever so slightly, as the shadow of the Spearow loomed over it. "Tch. Useless..."

---

?'s Cyndaquil: | Level 7 |
Health: 0% (0/24 HP)
Status: Normal
Cyndaquil used Tackle!
Cyndaquil fainted...

VS

Weather: Hail
All Pokemon were hit by hail.

Darius: | Level 7 |
Health: 63% (15/24 HP)
Status: Normal
A Potion was used!
Darius used Peck!

---

With a single peck of his beak, the Spearow put an end to the Cyndaquil's suffering. Or had he just made things worse? The avian didn't care regardless but considering the red headed trainer and his attitude, it might of made Marshall feel a little guilty for the poor fire type. With a flash of red light, the boy withdrew he fainted Pokemon, looking down at the shining orb with an expression of sheer hatred. "How could I have been lumped with a weakling like this?! I thought that stupid Professor only gave out useful Pokemon but this is...!!" Growling the last few words to himself under his breath, the boy attached the ball back onto his belt, before facing Marshall once again. Lifting an arm, he pointed directly at him. "Listen here! Don't think that you won easily today! I was holding back, after all." The type to act completely oblivious to any form of loss, this punk wasn't going to accept that he has been bested. "One day, I am going to be the strongest trainer... Mark my words." His tone depending, the boy clenched up his hand into a tight fist. "Then everyone will fear me, the powerful Silver!" Bellowing out his name as a parting gift, the boy glared once more at Marshall before turning on his heel and making an escape. Whatever Silver's problem was, was still a mystery but there was no doubt that the two would be meeting again, one day.

Congratulations!
Rival Silver was defeated! He drops £300 as he runs off! (Updated)


Darius gained 3 levels and grew to Level 10!
Darius learnt Fury Attack!

[Noerd]

The redhead’s response to seeing Marshall’s Potion was just about as he’d feared; derogatory and completely disrespectful. Marshall knew he’d be berated for this, but at least he wouldn’t lose now. He had to make sure that Darius won here. Darius flew back into the fray and, as if to validate Marshall’s decision, took the first hit. Marshall sighed in relief as his Spearow replied by defeating the Cyndaquil and called out proudly. “Alright, Darius, great work! See, a good trainer stocks up on items too. It doesn’t mean that either of us are weak!” As he spoke these words, the normal confidence and arrogance returned to Marshall. He’d just won his toughest battle yet, so it was to be expected that he’d been a little out of character.

As Darius returned to him, he kneeled down and spoke directly to his new partner. “Nice job, we really showed him today. Now take a break while I have a little chat with this guy.” Marshall returned Darius to his Pokéball before turning his attention back to the rival he’d just beaten. Once again, the boy blamed Cyndaquil for all of his problems. “Hey, the Professor gave me an awesome Bulbasaur; you can’t blame your Pokémon for your own weakness. I’m just a better trainer. I know what I’m doing, unlike some.” He smirked as he threw an insult back at the silver-eyed trainer, enjoying the retribution quite a lot. When the trainer declared that he’d been holding back, Marshall laughed. “Holding back?! Hilarious… You lost. Admit it. I’m better than you, and I always will be! You’ll only ever be second best!” Marshall finally stopped laughing as the trainer turned his back. “Silver, huh? Well, listen out for the name Marshall, because you’re gonna be hearing it a lot soon. I’ll be famous before you know it!” He didn’t know if this Silver guy was listening, but he didn’t really care all that much. He finally had a chance to brag, so he was going to do just that.

Watching Silver fade into the distance, Marshall took a deep breath and looked down at his belt. He already had two Pokémon and a… was this a rival? It was hard to tell. Anyway, he had met another trainer, and what a trainer it had been. Just as he was about to leave, his phone buzzed. “A text? Who the heck’s that?” He picked up his phone and read the message quickly.

Hi sweetie.
Hope you havent gotten too far yet, because a friend of your fathers is in cherrygrove city with a surprise for you. He just told us half an hour ago actually. Hope you like it.
Mom x

“Huh… OK then… handy,” Marshall muttered to himself, and he made the short trek to Cherrygrove City to find this man for himself.