Feline Frenzy (F)

[Tyger]

GRAYE'S MARINADES

Meow.
"No, Commander. We can't stop there."
Meowwwwww.
"C'mon Commander.."
Meowwwwwwwwwwww!

The long drawn out yowls were obnoxious at best and it was taking everything in her power not to strangle the cat where he stood. Cute as it was, after an hour, Sam was beginning to go crazy. Commander would just look at her with those wide eyes and meow so sweetly until he got what he wanted. Sam had to put her foot down though. If she didn't cut him off, he'd walk all over her.

So it had been like this since leaving Violet City. They'd stopped in Violet and Sam had gotten him a little treat (as well as her other Pokemon, she couldn't forget them of course!) but he wanted more. When they left the town, Commander figured that since Sam was pining for his friendship so badly he'd get what he wanted. But, as mentioned, Sam wasn't about to do that. 

"Look, I know we're both playing off of eachother here but something has to give. Perhaps I can lay off the bribery and you can lay off of the taking advantage. Deal?" Sam was exasperated and never figured she'd be having this kind of conversation with a Pokemon. They truly were creatures of their own design with thoughts, feelings, and mischievous streaks it seemed. Icarus and Blue seemed tame compared to this cat.

Commander simply looked up at her with unblinking eyes before turning off the facade and rolling those doe eyes until they looked as grumpy as the cat generally was. "There, i'm sorry. I want to be your friend and partner. I don't want to treat you like some kind of dog or cat I can train to do what I want. That isn't what being a trainer is about." The words were more for her at this point than him, but they hadn't fallen on deaf ears. Neither of them had much experience when it came to training, or being trained. Both of them were teachers in that regard.

"Ya know? Let's take a rest. Let the rest of the team stretch their legs and wings and whatnot, and we can sit and have a meal. Pokemon will be sure to come up, and we can remember what being a trainer and Pokemon is all about when they do." Battles always helped Sam straighten her thoughts, and Commander seemed to like them as well. It was win win for all involved, including Sam's other Pokemon. It was no lie that Icarus seemed rather dejected not being out of his Pokeball with Sam on their travels, so she had to keep the peace with all of them.

The Pokemon all burst forth from their balls, including the Ponyta Justin had let Sam borrow for Ilex. The source of light would definitely be nice. Plus the heat coming off of the equine's body would be useful for night travels. Icarus blinked before tackling into Sam, hugging his tiny hands around her face with multitudes of affection. As soon as Icarus let go, Garrus followed, practically barreling Sam over with the force and his own weight. The Vigoroth sat still if only for a moment before hopping up to play with anything he could find, be it a leaf or a blade of grass that came loose. There was no Fenrir or Maelstrom (which was probably good, Sam didn't have the time or energy to watch the Horsea at the present moment) but having Fenrir around was always nice. He made Sam feel safe and comfortable, but she had a whole team of Pokemon that would do the same as Fen so it worked out in the end.

Joka took perch near Sam, ready for food. Her tiny hands at the tips of her wings fretted anxiously. She was HUNGRY! As was Blue, who sat down next to Sam with a loud thump. Her flower on the top of her head was starting to wilt, so Sam picked another. It was here she'd found them, after all. Azalea was full of surprises and little gifts like that. 

"Okay guys, time to eat!" Sam chimed, beginning to pass out the food to the Pokemon. Joka ate hers before Sam had even finished passing it out, while Blue nibbled on a piece at a time. It was actually pretty hilarious to watch, given how large Blue's jaw was and how little of a bite she was taking each time. With all the Pokemon nibbling and scarfing down food, Commander took to his own food before pricking up his ears. Sam was right, Pokemon would be coming and he wanted it to be his job to make sure they didn't get close. All those years being a street cat had taught him that any Pokemon near his food was a threat. At least Sam's Pokemon had picked up on this and gave him space, but Wild Pokemon would jump at the opportunity, just as he would jump on the opportunity to battle. "Howabout those Flame Charges?" Sam suggested, mid bite of a sandwich. Commander nodded, eyes scanning the horizon.

Flame Charge x2 on Whatever appears!

[Noerd]

The sun shone down on Route 33 as Sam and her squad arrived, causing every part of the immediate area to gleam and glimmer vibrantly; the plentiful plantlife an astonishing shade of green, while even Union Cave's rocky exterior looked a lot brighter and more colourful than normal. The beautiful landscape helped to emphasise the lovely weather, with a pleasant heat wafting through the area. Looking around, Sam wasn't the only one deciding to settle down and eat, with plenty of trainers enjoying an impromptu picnic on the lush grass beneath them.

The native Pokémon were equally pleased with the environmental conditions, with each and every one leaving their homes behind and throwing their weights around gleefully. Most of them didn't seem all that interested in the trainers, though. They seemed content with just playing amongst their friends, getting their own meals or taking in the beautiful scenery. Most, anyway.

However, as Sam and her tribe sat down to eat their meals, one or two greedy eyes started to glare at the delicious offerings being laid out for the Pokémon. No-one was making a move, but it was hard not to notice the shift in attention. They seemed to be sizing up the situation, judging whether it was worth taking a risk to snag some food for themselves or not. Commander stepping up to take guard seemed to ward them off, though, as one by one they turned away and returned to their earlier activities.

But before anyone could relax, a bush nearby began to rustle softly. In a matter of seconds, said bush sprouted a couple of big, round eyes. The huge, blue discs stared wistfully at the group as they dined, but this soon turned to a look of shock as Commander saw the face emerge. In no time at all, he sprung to action, darting toward the would-be intruder. Having to act fast, the creature burst out of its hiding place, puffing up its spherical body to try and look intimidating.

---

A wild Jigglypuff (Level 14) has appeared!

---

Commander wasn't going to let this living balloon scare him off, his body glowing red as it became enveloped in flames. Jigglypuff continued to inflate itself as much as it could, staring its feline opponent down, but to no avail. Unfortunately, adorable can't do scary all that well. In a couple of seconds, the Normal type felt Commander's scorching body against its skin, quickly deflating and rolling back toward the bush from whence it had come. This just wouldn't do. All it wanted was a snack! Jigglypuff righted itself and screeched out loudly in self-righteous anger. The not-so-pleasant tones caused Commander to roar in pain, his keen sense of hearing backfiring a little here as the noise assaulted his ears. He stood stock still, taking a few moments to shake the effects of the cacophony.

Once he'd recovered, there was only one thing for it. More Flame Charges. He ran forth, once again covering himself in fire. The sentient fireball slammed into Jigglypuff again, this time successfully knocking his opponent into the shrubbery completely. Jigglypuff collided with something - probably a tree - with a loud "SMACK" and, after a while, reemerged looking a little bruised and incredibly unimpressed. Puffing its cheeks out, the little pink orb stared at Commander as its eyes glowed a strange shade of green. Commander stared back, unsure of what to make of all this but waiting for something to happen. And... nothing did, it seemed. The Litten felt absolutely fine once Jigglypuff's eyes returned to their usual blue. It was only when he thought a little harder that the effects started to become obvious. How had he managed that attack earlier? What even was it? He was sure that he knew that move, but... how did it work again? Hm. Most peculiar.

Wild Battle

---

Wild Jigglypuff | Level 14
HP: 33% (20/60 HP)
Status: Normal
Jigglypuff used Disarming Voice, then Disable!

VS

Sam's Commander | Level 12
HP: 86% (31/36 HP)
Status: +2 Speed, Flame Charge Disabled
Commander used Flame Charge twice!
Critical Hit with the second!

(Ahhh, now that's a better backsprite. Thanks for forcing me to rehost, Photobucket! :D)

[Tyger]

GRAYE'S MARINADES

Commander on guard had done wonders for the safety of their food. While the rest of the Pokemon nibbled happily, Commander would step up occasionally and ruffle his fur at the slightest sound of an approaching Pokemon. The old cat wanted to eat in peace, and if anything disturbed that then it was time to battle. "At least he's enjoying himself...?" Sam murmured to herself, taking another bite out of her sandwich. It was true though, giving the feline a job filled him with a sense of importance, which was important for the road ahead. 

The trainer couldn't help but notice all the other trainers with their wild Pokemon difficulties. As soon as they'd sit down after a battle over their picnic food, another Pokemon would join the fray, more than likely already deterred from attacking Sam's party. With all of her Pokemon out like this, it was no wonder. If any of them got cocky, Commander made sure they were spotted and made it known they had been noticed. The method was working wonderfully, until a Pokemon attacked from the bushes. Sam didn't recognize the pink blob for a moment, but as soon as it inflated itself the trainer understood it was a Jigglypuff. Oh dear god. Please don't sing.

Sam went to open her mouth and warn Commander but the feline was already on it. The pink Pokemon was trying it's own methods of intimdation, but they were totally lost on Commander. Instead, the feline growled angrily, showing teeth and frizzing up the hair on his spine to make himself look larger. After that, the game was on. 

Commander dashed forward, flames licking at his fur but not burning him, to slam into the lunch offender. The Jigglypuff was tossed back but managed to get out a retaliation hit. Aside from a hiss of anger, that's all that came from it via Commander. The second pass went just as the first, a flame surrounded cat streaking across the grass to strike another fiery blow to the pink target. However... the trump card was removed with a flash of Jigglypuff's eyes. In a split second Flame Charge was disabled, and there was no way Commander would be using it again. Despite his distaste for the move, Flame Pledge was the next best bet.

"Commander, are you okay?" Sam called, leaving her sandwich on a napkin to assist in the fight. Normally Commander had his targets down in a couple of turns, but this tanky Pokemon was giving him a run for his money apparently. There was probably a decent strength difference that added to it. The cat hadn't hesitated to lash out though, so Sam had the fullest confidence in the cat to take down the pink assailant. 

In response to her question, Commander gave a quick, curt nod. His muscles were tensed and his body was posed for another Flame Charge, but he wasn't entirely sure why he was standing like he was. Was he going to make a move? Did he want to just look cool? Nothing seemed to happen, so he looked over at Sam with a blank stare. "Oh! That's right. I should probably give you some idea of what to do next since you can't use uh, Flame Charge. Howabout Fire Pledge?"

Commander's ears pressed against his skull at the words, but he would do it nonetheless. Sam didn't understand why he disliked the move so much, but it was what it was. Since he didn't understand the first move Sam had mentioned (granted she hadn't told him to 'use' it persay, but was it an actual move?) Fire Pledge it was. He didn't necessarily have to be happy about it though. If only he had something else he could use...

Meanwhile, Sam's crew had settled down to watch the battle and see what Commander was capable of. Battles were a good way to tell strengths and weaknesses of character, not necessarily of brute or physical strength. Besides, Commander was a bit older so maybe he didn't hit as hard? As far as the Pokemon knew, Jigglypuff was stronger by all accounts. It was up to Commander to push through that and make it work despite the fact. He held himself with a sense of pride and dignity, despite being captured in the most undignified of ways. Still, with his 'recapture' of himself, the team was starting to look at him in a new light. Sam seemed rather attached to him for whatever reason, so he was probably going to be staying for a while. They already had Fenrir, who'd be able to use much stronger fire attacks than Commander at this point, but they had to trust their trainer. With none of them speaking, or at least in a way that Sam would understand, it was up to her to make the team and find out the best combo for them all. 

Quite a large task. 

Commander drew a breath and proceeded.

Friendly reminder Commander has the Intimidate ability :) 800 words to incubator with Ponyta in party

Flame Pledge on Wild Jigglypuff

[Marchbaby]

Jigglypuff's tricky tactic had worked exactly as planned last time and though Flame Charge was not Commanders only fire type move, having it disabled meant he could not inflate his speed anymore. He was still faster by all counts but it did not hurt to limit his options. As smart as Jigglypuff thought it was for disabling Flame Charge Commander still had far more health remaining and his boosted speed meant this might be the last time Jigglypuff would have the opportunity to attack. The pink fluff ball had a number of options but the ones that caused damage were the only true hope it had left.

Jigglypuff watched Commander carefully knowing him and his trainer were planning something and it could not afford getting caught off guard with its current health. One big hit could end the battle here and now but Jigglypuff was still out for revenge. While it got ready to attack Commander fired a large spherical ball of flame with all of his might. The ball of scorching flame hit Jigglypuff dead center, just as Commander thought he had won his foe miraculously got back to its feet in a true display of bravery. Jigglypuff had held on by a thread and it was time to try one final desperate attack.

Sucking up all the air it could Jigglypuff began to talk in the sweetest tone imaginable. The cuteness levels were so high it was sickening but Commander could not stop listening to the beautiful tone as he walked towards his foe. He had lowered his guard so much he did not see the rock between them and through this clumsily act he landed flat on his face. It did not hurt him as much as his attack hurt Jigglypuff but the pink Pokemon busted out laughing. It was comforting to know he had suffered in some way. The battle was all but over by now but Jigglypuff could say it had erned some respect for refusing to give in as it waited for the final blow.

Pokemon Battle

Jigglypuff | Level 14
HP: 1% (1/60)
Status: Normal, -1 Attack
Move: Jigglypuff used Disarming Voice!

VS

Sam's Commander Frog | Level 12
HP: 75% (27/36)
Status: Normal, +2 Speed, Flame Charge disabled!
Move:Commander Frog used Fire Pledge!


OOC: The RNG loved Jigglypuff this time. I thought for sure it was doomed.

[Tyger]

GRAYE'S MARINADES

Sam was sure it infuriated the feline to no extent to know that the Jigglypuff was still standing. Commander's favorite move had been taken out of the game as well, which meant he was a bitter old cat for more reasons than one. He was doing a good job in the battle and while there was no question that he would win, it was still obnoxious knowing that it had taken so long. By now, Commander figured he'd lost the respect of the onlooking Pokemon from not only Sam's team but also the other picnic Pokemon hanging around. He could only assume they were mocking him in their foreign tongue that Commander hadn't picked up yet in this new area, or judging him for not being able to take down the pink puff.

That wasn't the case though, as most Pokemon were busy eating their food or fighting off their own Wild wily Pokemon to protect their stock. As for Sam's Pokemon, the thoughts of respect still remained. Commander was going paw to paw with a Pokemon stronger than him and still keeping his head eye. Despite being put into a bad situation with no Flame Charges (Was that a move?) he was pressing on no matter how much he disliked it. "You're doing great, bud! One more hit ought to do it!" Sam had added while Commander let loose the column of fire. Smug content crossed the cat's face.

That is, until Jigglypuff still stood.

Furious, Commander hissed angrily and puffed out the rest of his fur until he looked like the victim of static cling. How did it survive? Commander was putting everything he could into this fight, into winning, into putting up with Sam and the new Pokemon, into trying to evolve and grow... and nothing was coming out of it. Frustration turned to fury, which turned to dismay, which turned into defeat. Sam watched Commander's tail slowly deflate from it's poofed state. Then it slowly fell back down behind him. After that, it drooped.

"Commander! Don't worry! It's only one hit away for sure now! Yeah, I dunno how it held on like it did but you know what? Victory is gonna taste THAT much sweeter!" Sam added in, waggling her eyebrows in an attempt to coax the cat back into a decent mood. Commander didn't seem swayed but eventually rolled his eyes and faced back towards Jigglypuff. His distaste towards the pink blob was unmatched by anything Sam had seen, aside from his distaste towards his own Fire Pledge move for whatever reason. Maybe that particular fire tickled his throat? Who knew.

When Sam suggested another Fire Pledge, Commander turned up his nose at the prospect. Once again the cat was being more trouble than he was seemingly worth, but even then Sam wanted to keep working with him. She ruffled around in her bag until she grabbed a Pokeball, which should be able to catch the Pokemon up nice and quick. The clinking of the items caught Commander's attention though and he turned around with his mouth open slightly, apparently in shock. She was going to capture this pink monstrosity? Absolutely not! 

Commander let out a yowl of protest on sight of the red Pokeball, and Sam cocked an eyebrow. "You don't want me to catch it?" Sam asked, slightly surprised. The Litten shook his head angrily, neck fluffing out slightly at the thought of being on the same team as that thing. "Oh no, I probably wouldn't use the poor thing, but i'm sure we could find a good home for it." While the prospect of not keeping Jigglypuff long seemed to please the cat, he wasn't necessarily sure he wanted Sam to finish this battle through a different means. Did she want to capture this Pokemon because Commander couldn't defeat it? That would be a quick way to end it, so was that her intention?

Angrily, Commander dashed forward much like his Charge attack before skidding to a stop closer to Jigglypuff and definitely in the way of the Pokeball. Sam was about to throw but stopped at the sudden movement of the feline, who was making this battle way harder than it needed to be. That being said, she let him do his own thing. Probably a pride thing happening or something. Commander puffed out his chest and blew out another column of Fire Pledge, this time sure he'd take down the stupid pink fluffball so that he could finish his food with not only his dignity in place, but also with a sense of victory. Victory made everything taste so much sweeter. With that having been enacted, Sam put the pokeball back into her bag and cheered on her finicky feline.

Commander using Fire Pledge x1 Is it possible to steal a Rare Candy from Justin's inventory to use on Litten post battle so he evolves next post? If not it's okay.

800 words to the incubator, so close!

[Lamont]

If there was one thing Jigglypuff was good at doing it was bouncing back. The puffy pink body was good for more than looks, and the rotund fairy wasn't going to let some moody cat ruin that image. It puffed out its cheeks once again, getting itself psyched up. Though, it probably also helped alleviate some of its own weight making moving slightly less laborious given its current condition. Its fine fur was singed and ached but by golly it was going to continue this fight even if victory had slipped through its fingers by now.

Commander was all business at this point. Claws primed, fur bristled, splayed tail end puffing out nearly as much as the jigglypuff's cheeks. The balloon singer didn't need to even catch the hateful glares from those bright yellow eyes to know the fiery feline wasn't going to be pulling any punches now. As he darted forward Jigglypuff bobbed up and closer as well, like an astronaut carefully planting each foot step. Though, without any surprise the litten was first to strike; summoning up a pyre of licking flames while Jigglypuff was in mid-step. There was truly no hope. The fire swallowed the round pink body and sucked away all its air, a light deflating sound squeaking its way out of the roaring crackle. When it had subsided the fairy floated, somewhat flatter, to the ground where the tall grass made its bed.

---

VICTORY!

---

Commander grew to LV 16 and gained +1 Happiness!
He would like to learn Fire Fang; delete an old move?

((Rare Candy Moved))

[Tyger]

GRAYE'S MARINADES

The pink menace...

Had ended. 

The fight had finally come to a close and Commander eventually let his fur unbristle and he returned back to his normal size. It was almost comedic to watch, but Sam was impressed nonetheless. The cat seemed to be glowing. 

Uh, literally.

"Commander! Is that what I think it is?" Sam called out over the roar of the light bursting forth from the Litten. The feline almost seemed startled at Sams words, not them specifically but the tone. They were excited. Commander had never gone through an evolution before so how would he have even known? The tingle and light was a start.

Since Litten were rather rare in these parts, the evolution was causing quite a stir within the other picnic goers, who'd stopped their battles momentarily to watch the strange Pokemon evolve. Commander himself let out a yowl of triumph as the light reached it's peak before changing his body in a bulkier, stronger form. The Torracat stood before Sam and her Pokemon.

And smirked.

He had done it! The pink menace had been a help afterall. Perhaps it was that little extra boost needed to reach where he needed, and wanted, to be... and now that he achieved it, he wanted nothing more than to charge forward into the future with Sam's team to earn their respect and trust. Maybe show off a bit, too.

The cat brushed up against Sam's leg before returning to his meal with a huge sense of triumph.

Commander was a good cat. Sam brushed her fingers through his fur and returned to her meal, glad Commander had given her a little bit of affection. The fire feline was warming up to her, total pun intended, but she didn't mind in the slightest. He was helping her grow as well, and she was evolving as a trainer even if her outside appearance didn't change like the rest of her team did. 

"You did great, bud. Let's keep it up!" She practically purred herself, before the buzzing sound made her realize it was actually her phone. 

"Hello? Mom? Are you okay?"
...
"Another Pokemon? I mean, I guess I can help."
...
"What do you mean?"
...
"I'll be right there!" 

Sam hung up the phone and packed up quickly, much to the surprise of her team and those around her. "C'mon, there's a Pokemon that needs help. Let's go!"

-FIN-

Learning Fire Fang over Growl, Using Rare Candy x1