Spooky, Scary Skeletons (F)

[Tyger]

Going to replace Wimpod with Vibrava in Party, add EXP Share to Gyarados
Equip Vibrava with Justin's Chesto Berry, Move Lucky Egg to Luxray
Luxray using x1 Thunderbolt on Morty's First Pokemon/Gastly

Justin's team had been rather hyped about the gym battle, which meant they were itching left and right for a fight, especially Kuuma. The dark fox was almost begging to be in every round of the fight, which would've been useful probably but unrealistic. He could probably take all three Pokemon, but he didn't want his friend to get hurt. He didn't want -any- of his Pokemon to get hurt. 

He wasn't fond of battles.

Either way, here he was, standing outside of the Ecruteak gym where Morty stood inside waiting. His Pokemon had picked up on Justin's nervousness, but it couldn't be helped. As much as Justin wished he could fight these battles for them, it had to be this way. The best he could do was do as much research as possible and speak to as many veteran trainers who'd fought Morty to get as much information as he could to formulate a plan. If he was correct, he'd emerge from the gym victorious, and possibly in three turns. He didn't want to be cocky, but one learned a lot studying Pokemon through a camera lens.

"Look, Justin, I know you're nervous but relax! We've got this!" Kuuma chimed in beside him, stretching nonchalantly to put his arms behind his head. The furred fox was correct, he was sure his team was confident and ready, so all he had to do was walk in and take the badge with battling prowess. He'd come a long way from taking his first steps with Anriika on the first route. It seemed as if it had been years ago, but was probably only a few months. 

"You're right. We do have this. All of us."

Feeling confident once more, Justin returned all of his Pokemon aside from Luxray (who'd be useful navigating through the dark gym with Justin's awful eyesight) and stepped inside. The cool AC ruffled his hair and assaulted both he and the lion with a blast of cool air. It was comfortable and chilling at the same time, or perhaps that was just the gym's icy chill creeping down this back? He wasn't comfortable, but he knew he and his Pokemon would power through.

Navigating to the center podium with the help of his keen eye'd Luxray, Justin issued his challenge, albeit maybe not as powerful as he'd liked.

"My name is Justin Pryce, and i'm a photographer trainer here to fight you for a badge." He couldn't help his voice shake occasionally. With so many ghost Pokemon around, it couldn't be helped. 

After introductions had been made, Justin followed through with the battle, nodding to Luxray who would start the show off with a Thunderbolt.

GRAYE'S MARINADES

[Marchbaby]

It had been a little while since Morty had been challenged to a gym battle but the trainer who stood before him looked promising but so had others. Even if he was not sure if Justin would prove a worthy challenger he had every intention of finding out. " Hello there Justin, it is quite a pleasure to meet you. By the sounds of things you want to get straight to the action which I admire. I must warn you however that ghost type Pokemon are quite tricky. Being rash might cause you to bite off more than you can chew." He then chuckled as he tossed a Pokeball in front of him. A Gastly appeared quite eager for a fight.

" I shall start things off with my Gastly, he is neither my strongest or largest but his tricks make up for it." As he watched Justin nod he knew something was up and was certain this was a good time to hammer the point home. He chuckled again for a moment before giving his order. " My, my what a mean little kitty cat you have there. I do believe a nap is in order. Gastly use Hypnosis so kitty can sleep off its anger issues." In a flash Gastly disappeared below the floor before Simba could launch his attack. The feline was useless until his target showed up. Simba looked high and low but to no avail until he turned around.

Gastly had snuck behind him and as they locked eyes Gastly sent hypnotic waves towards him. Simba tried to fight it off but he had been so unnerved as it was he could not focus long enough to break contact. He suddenly began swaying from side to side before toppling over in a deep sleep. " Sleeping like a baby, what a good kitty you are. Hypnosis is a risky move but it fills me with glee when it works." Simba continued sleeping through his turn as Morty snickered to himself. He had given Justin a fair warning but now maybe Justin would take the battle a bit more seriously.

Gym Battle

Morty's Gastly | Level 28
HP: 100% (63/63)
Status: Normal, 
Move: Gastly used Hypnosis!
Get Riggity, Riggity wrecked son!

VS

Justin's Simba | Level 30
]HP: 100% (97/97)
Status: Asleep
Move:Simba is fast asleep!
ZzzzzzzZzzzzzzzz



OOC: Holy crud Gastly is a speed demon.

[Tyger]

Switching out for Gyarados, Using Aqua Tail

Morty seemed to be just as sure of himself as Kuuma tried to be, but Kuuma was a Pokemon and Morty was a full fledged gym leader prepared to take on trainers Justin's strength and beyond. He wanted to be confident in himself, and in his Pokemon, but for whatever reason it just wasn't happening. He could 'fake' it all he wanted, trying to figure out what the battle would be like and pin it down to particular moves, but in the end Justin probably wasn't confident enough a trainer for it. Luxray could feel the shift in Justin's demeanor but tried to start off strong. 

Unfortunately, Gastly was quicker.

Boasting a burst of speed to throw the Luxray off guard, Gastly attacked with a Hypnosis. Luxray tried to look away, but there wasn't much Simba could do. In a few moments the feline was nothing more than a purring puddle on the floor. Justin sighed and looked up, feeling slightly depressed he couldn't take pictures of this battle as Morty's Pokemon wouldn't show up. No matter though, at least Simba wasn't hurt. 

"You're not wrong. Thanks for taking me down a peg, it's been a while and honestly I needed you to derail me a bit. Helps me get back on track." Justin said, returning his Luxray. With the rest of his team still on deck, there's no way he could lose. Kuuma was next up, and he'd need Freyja, arguably one of his strongest Pokemon alongside Rhoan, to take down the famed Gengar Morty was feared for. That being said, he was sure that this Pokemon would be able to come out victorious against the Gastly... Given that Simba was slower than the gaseous ball, it was better to switch out and bring something a bit faster to the show...

"Jormun, plans have changed. Come on out!" He called, releasing the large serpent into the dark arena. Despite the ghostly feel of the gym, and Morty standing across the way, Jormun was unphased as his mouth opened into a wide, angry grimace as the battle continued. Gastly would only be able to sneak one hit in, and hopefully it wouldn't be as lucky as last time. Jormun could take the hit if it were an attack. Hopefully he'd stand up to the Hypnosis if it was coming.

"Aqua Tail on that Gastly." Justin ordered, giving the tail of Jormun a pat before stepping a few paces back in order to avoid getting hit. Jormun had a bad habit of not watching where his tail was going.

GRAYE'S MARINADES

[Noerd]

(I would just like to declare that whoever designed Morty's team is a thorough troll.
... I love it.)

Morty gave a knowing smile as Justin thanked him for his honest reminder of the Ghost type's powers. "Well, you're quite welcome. I'll keep that in mind, Justin." Though, in truth, the Leader knew that his Gastly's performance thus far had probably given the young photographer more than enough of a hint as to this Gym team's abilities. Morty couldn't help but smirk at Simba's sleeping frame, knowing that his spectral partner had had a hand in this. Schadenfreude was something that any Ghost type specialist would probably have experienced a few times and Morty was no exception, even if it was a little hard to admit to himself.

As Justin moved to recall his Luxray, the Leader breathed a small sigh of relief. One down, it seemed. The next opponent would appear even more threatening than the last, however. Jormun's massive body dominated much of the Gym's battlefield, causing the smile on Morty's face to flicker somewhat. Gastly's gaseous body almost seemed to shrink in size while it took in what it was faced with now. The intimidating gaze of Jormun was certainly hard for this duo to ignore. Morty took a moment to think of another fitting remark, another to compose himself, and a third to clear his throat before giving his response.

"Well well, it seems you've got quite the powerful team there, Justin. Though your Gyarados does seem a little irritable." The Ecruteak Leader turned to his ghostly partner in crime and, keeping as confident a tone as he could in the circumstances, offered another of his orders. "Perhaps he could do with a nap too, eh Gastly? Use Hypnosis once more!" Gastly nodded, starting to fix its stare on Jormun. However, the massive Water snake wasn't as slow as his comrade. Before Gastly could make a move, Justin's Gyarados swung a fluid-coated tail at the ball of gas. Despite having little physical form, the blow certainly seemed to hurt. Gastly moaned louder than usual, a hint of pain in its voice, as its body started to fade slowly. Within seconds, it appeared as though the spirit had lost consciousness, though quite what this meant for a dead creature was unclear. Morty sighed, recalling his first Pokémon immediately.

"Not a bad response there, Justin. I guess we'll have to avoid playing around with you or we'll be in for a rough time." He smiled again, though concern riddled his mind. The match ahead was going to be rough if this Gyarados was that powerful. He pulled out a second Pokéball and tossed it in front of him. "Let's see how you deal with Haunter then!" And with that, Morty's second servant broke free from its ball. Taking one look at its opponent, Haunter chuckled. Its long tongue poked out of its mouth briefly, seemingly licking its own lips while it waited for the battle to resume.

VS. Morty

---

Morty's Gastly | Level 28
HP: 0% (0/63 HP)
Status: KO'd
Gastly did nothing of any value!

VS

Justin's Jormun | Level 32
HP: 100% (112/112 HP)
Status: Normal
Jormun used Aqua Tail!

---

Knock Out!

---

Jormun earned 700 EXP for that easy KO (2792/3169)!
Max Happiness already!


Simba earned even more, 1050 EXP, thanks to his Lucky Egg (1900/2791)!
Also max Happiness!

---

Morty's next Pokémon is his Haunter (Level 30)!
Will Justin stick with Jormun here?

[Tyger]

Switching out for Zoroark, using Night Slash
Just making sure, this is Kuuma, not Surreo. While Kuuma is attacking he turns into Zoroark.

Justin wouldn't lie, hearing Morty praise his choice in Pokemon after the downfall of his first gym defender perked Justin up a bit. Jormun, although slightly irate at being called irritable (ironically), still seemed happy with himself as well. His gaping maw closed into a content expression before turning his massive head to look at Justin. Jormun was probably more than capable of taking down silly looking Ghost Pokemon before them, but wanted to make sure before throwing around his weight once more. Thinking to himself, Justin crossed his arms before releasing one to scratch at his chin.

-

"So, here's what we're gonna do." Kuuma grunted, looking at the gym from the outside before Justin could enter. The fox was ready and willing to battle, and it amused Justin that he'd already come up with a 'battle plan' against the foes inside. Kuuma returned said amusement with Justin's seemingly brash confidence. 

"You'll send me out when you need me and i'll pretend to be somebody else in the team! Maybe like Jormun, or uh... Surreo or something. Surreo would get wrecked by some of these ghost attacks so I think i'll pretend to be him, and when Morty commands an attack, BOOM! Surprise! It's Kuuuumaaaaaaaa!" Kuuma shouted, like an announcer. Eerily much like the announcer from Justin's Gauntlet challenge. Kuuma hadn't been there though.

"Oh really, eh? That's whats gonna happen?" The photographer raised an eyebrow, words thick with sarcasm. Kuuma grunted and crossed his arms before hitting Justin with a smug look.

"Yeah, I just didn't want you to feel bad, as if you'd grabbed the wrong Pokeball or something. Just... lemme know who you want me to pretend to be. I'll even be the oinker if you need."

-

"Jormun, return." Justin reached forward with the Gyarados's pokeball, watching the massive dragonesque creature bow it's head in acknowledgement as it disappeared into the digital capsule. "I'm glad I could show you some of my strength! That Gastly took me by surprise but I won't let that happen again. Surreo, you're up!" Justin took out Kuuma's pokeball and released it, bringing forth the disguised form of Kuuma. Every bit of the fox looked like Surreo, almost to the point Justin HAD been worried he'd grabbed the wrong ball. However, Surreo wasn't a show off like this current Gallade on the field. He knew it would be a ballsy move to actually use the Psychic Pokemon here, but Morty didn't know what tricks Justin had up his sleeve. 

Hopefully he'd impress the gym leader.

"Surreo, dig down. Let's get a quick strike in, and show them what you're made of." Justin said, hinting for the Zoroark to show himself right as he attacked. If for no reason but to just be cheeky. It would make the fox happy. "Night Slash!" It would be around the point that Morty probably called something weak against the Psychic Pokemon that Kuuma would've rushed forward, blowing his charade to reveal his actual lupine form to Morty. Hopefully striking a dire blow to Haunter in the process.

GRAYE'S MARINADES

[latani]

Vs. Gym Leader Morty

Jormun's presence unsettled Morty a little, though he tried his best to not show it. Seeing how easily the Gyarados had swept aside his Gastly didn't inspire much confidence Haunter wouldn't meet the same fate, but he was going to go down fighting if that were the case. After all, he wasn't the gym leader for nothing. But when Justin recalled the leviathan, Morty breathed out an inaudible sigh of relief, catching his Haunter's eyes and nodding. This was either a good sign, or bad, depending on what his challenger sent forth next. Shocked was an understatement to describe Morty's face as he took in 'Surreo', before his brow creased slightly as he puzzled it out. Psychic Pokemon could easily learn Ghost-type moves, but it was still a huge risk considering their very well known weakness to said Ghost-types. "Can't say I've seen many trainers confident enough to bring a Psychic type in here. But seeing your team so far, I bet that's no pushover," he remarked aloud, hoping he wasn't wrong about Surreo's typing.

Gallade weren't as uncommon as they used to be, but he'd seen few while out and about to be completely certain. "Haunter. When you see an opportunity, use Will-o-Wisp," Morty instructed the phantom in front of him. Grinning devilishly, Haunter dipped its head in full agreement before looking over Surreo, completely unaware of the true nature of its opponent. "Night Slash?" Morty murmured as Justin ordered his own attack, frown tugging at his mouth. So this was why the Gallade had been sent out. But if his Haunter could just outspeed it and get the burn, there'd be little to fear. Kuuma, still clad in his disguise, felt an unhidden sort of glee as he dashed across the battlefield towards Haunter, reveling even more in the identical looks of priceless shock as he dispelled the illusion upon drawing in close. Giving Haunter no quarter, the grinning Zoroark slashed upwards with one black-shrouded claw, rending through the phantom's body as easily as a knife through butter.

Wailing in agony, Haunter fell back from the blow, kept falling... and hit the ground with a faint thump. Morty's gaze flicked from Kuuma, to his Haunter, and then back to Justin. And, despite himself, he began to laugh. "Wow! That was something else!" the leader said with a hearty guffaw. He recalled the unconscious Haunter back to its ball, expression strangely cheerful despite being down two Pokemon. But he wasn't worried just yet - his last Pokemon was no joke. "I'm really impressed. Don't know how you managed that illusion trickery, but it was really something. You're quite the trainer, though I wonder if you can handle my Gengar as readily as you have so far?" Morty mused, sending the aforementioned Pokemon out next. Cheshire grin in place, Gengar floated neatly to the floor and uttered a short cackle, Morty smiling affectionately at his partner. If he lost now, it would be on a good note, this battle invigorating in a way he hadn't felt in a long time.

Gym Leader Battle

---

Morty's Haunter | Level 30 |
Health: 0% (0/76 HP)
Status: Struck by a smooth criminal...; --Fainted
Haunter fainted!

VS

Justin's Kuuma | Level 31 |
Health: 100% (87/87 HP)
Status: Slash and dash; Normal
Kuuma used a successful Night Slash!

---

Kuuma the absolute beast destroyed Haunter! He gained +750 EXP!
Gained +1 Happiness!


Jormun received +750 EXP via the Exp Share and grew to Level 33!
Jormun can learn the move Scary Face, but knows four moves. Replace one?
(377/3367 EXP)

---

Morty is sending in his Gengar (Level 34)!
Will you switch Pokemon?

[Tyger]

Ignoring Scary Face, Freyja using Earthquake
Freyja has a Chesto Berry in case he uses Hypnosis

"And Kuuma reigns supremeeeee!" The Zoroark howled, pumping his clawed fists into the air with glee. His trick had worked, and the hearty laugh from Morty only seemed to fuel the Zoroark. "That's right! Get wrecked my friend! Your ghosts don't stand a chance! In fact, lemme at your last one, I've got this in the bag-" Kuuma was riled up and ready for more, but Justin held his hand up. 

"You did a great job, Kuuma! I'm impressed, just like Morty. However, we gotta give someone else a turn. You probably haven't met this teammate yet." Kuuma probably would've been able to take the Gengar down, but Justin knew another Pokemon that could do it probably even easier. Ironically, it was his shiest Pokemon. He couldn't say quietest anymore, as upon evolution Freyja had come out of her shell and spoken. 

"Awwh, man." Kuuma crossed his arms and huffed at Morty before taking a few steps back to watch. For his own amusement, Zoroark took the form of Morty as he stood behind Justin. 

"Kuuma, don't poke the bear."
"You never let me do anything fun." 

Justin's next Pokemon to the battlefield burst forth from her Pokeball, wings buzzing with a low hum as she descended to the ground. The Vibrava, Freyja, took a couple of glances around her before turning to face her trainer. "Am I to battle?" She asked, voice slightly raspy and muffled, as if she were speaking through a radio. Probably just because everything about her seemed to buzz.

"You're up next, Freyja, if that's okay with you. This is Morty, he's the Gym Leader for Ecruteak. This is his last Pokemon, and I wanted to battle with you for the win." He knew Freyja took a bit more time than most to warm up to people given her background, but she'd done a good job working with Justin. Saving this gesture for her, the last battle of the Gym, was a big honor for any Pokemon. Kuuma let out a huff behind Justin, pretending to be unimpressed. 

And definitely not jealous.

"I would like that very much. Thank you." She buzzed, before turning to face Morty and the Gengar. Justin knew there was no way he'd have a Pokemon faster than this ghost. Gastly had proven that. Kuuma might've been quicker than Haunter but the evolved form was no joke. Freyja would be able to withstand any attack the Gengar threw at her, and with that berry he'd given her previously... Hopefully Morty would continue to be impressed.

"Hold onto something, Kuuma." Justin murmured to the fox behind him, but the vulpin creature merely grasped hold of Justin sarcastically. "Okay, your loss. Freyja! Earthquake! Let's try and finish this!"

GRAYE'S MARINADES

[latani]

Vs. Gym Leader Morty

Knowing what Kuuma was and what he could do, Morty privately admitted he was quite glad Justin was switching him out. Gengar was his ace, but something that could shred his Haunter in one fell swoop... he doubted even his prized Pokemon would be able to stand up to that without a great deal of luck. But when the Zoroark took on his own appearance, Morty felt his brow rise in response, fixing the cheeky Dark-type with the ghost of a smile. With some effort, the leader shifted his attention back to Justin in time to watch the appearance of Freyja, both him and his Gengar eyeing the insect-like dragon with unbridled curiosity. Gengar, who up to that point had been making faces at Kuuma, gave the Vibrava his best unsettling gaze, eyes almost taking on an eerie red glow in anticipation. "You're not only well prepared, but you're well traveled, too, if you've got so much variety of Pokemon to pick from," Morty commented after the Pokemon had taken their positions on the battlefield. "I envy you that, at least. But Ghost-types have always held a special place in my heart. Right, Gengar?"

His Gengar cackled, still watching Freyja in some hopeful attempt at just unnerving her for the sake of it. Morty shook his head in amused tolerance of his partner, who was equal parts exasperating and life of the party, despite being, well, a ghost. "Alright! Gengar, show them why you're my ace, and why I'm Ecruteak's gym leader. Shadow Ball!" the blonde man called, voice ringing. The impish Ghost-type responded by throwing both arms forwards, building up a whirling mass of dark, shadowy energy that crackled with malevolence. Freyja, waiting for her chance to attack, hunched up as Gengar let out a very spectacular maniacal laugh before hurling the orb directly at her. The sheer speed was something to marvel at, and the power behind it was no joke either - Freyja bit back a pained noise as it slammed into her and sent her sliding backwards. Gasping for breath, the Vibrava had to pause for a moment to recover her sense of the world again.

Realizing his foe hadn't quite gone down, Gengar frowned as Freyja began drumming her legs and tail on the floor. Morty realized a second too late what was about to happen, shouting a warning to his partner as the entire gym shuddered in a violent tremor. The gym leader staggered, managing to retain his balance with some surprise, but his Gengar wasn't as lucky as the shaking seemed to focus itself on his position. Thrown up into the air by the very floor heaving up underneath, Gengar flailed about with a faint cry before impacting with the floor in a way that Morty knew the battle was over. He looked around the gym with a cautious eye, seeming satisfied it wasn't about to come down on their heads, before kneeling down next to his Pokemon and sighing. Out for the count. The leader wasted no time in recalling his Gengar and pocketing the ball, striding over to Justin with a solemn expression.

One that gave way to a joyous smile as he stopped next to his victorious challenger. "I had a feeling when you walked in that you wouldn't be an ordinary challenger, and I'm glad I was right. Even though I lost, it was so enjoyable that it feels like we both won, really. So, let me congratulate you on earning the Fog Badge!" Morty said with a bright grin, handing over the badge, as well as the prize money and a purple-tinted disc. "Your winnings, and my own gift to you, the TM for Shadow Ball. A powerful trainer such as yourself should have no trouble finding use for it. And you'll be able to use the HM move Surf, should you have it already." Morty stepped back, gesturing at Justin's team as he continued to speak. "I wish you the best of luck on your future endeavours, Justin. Maybe I'll see you again if you hang around Ecruteak for a while, unless you plan on charging onwards to your next badge. Regardless, thank you for such an incredible battle, and be proud of what you've accomplished today with your team." Lifting his hand in a farewell wave, Morty disappeared to tend to his Pokemon, leaving Justin to revel in his success.

Gym Leader Battle

---

Morty's Gengar | Level 34 |
Health: 0% (0/96 HP)
Status: ... ; --Fainted!
Gengar used a successful Shadow Ball!
Gengar fainted!

VS

Justin's Freyja | Level 35 |
Health: 28% (26/90 HP)
Status: Shaking in your ghostie boots yet?; Normal
Freyja used a successful Earthquake!

---

Freyja fought amazingly well and gained +850 EXP!
Gained +1 Happiness!


Jormun received +850 EXP via the Exp Share!

---

Congratulations!
You defeated Gym Leader Morty!


Justin received the Fog Badge!


For winning, Justin was also gifted with TM30 Shadow Ball!
Earned £3,720 in prize money.

[Tyger]

Woot! All done

Freyja's wings vibrated intensely as the battle began, adding to the low hum the room already gave. The ghostly, eerie feel was cut albeit slightly. It still wasn't enough to make Justin feel at ease. "You've got this!" He called out, trying his best to make Freyja feel at ease. When she'd been brought into the battle she didn't seem to mind, which was good at least. As long as she was having a good time, he didn't mind. The honor was all hers to have the first go at Morty's last Pokemon, so she wasn't about to squander it on the anxieties she'd left behind.

Morty's compliment made Justin feel a bit better, he did in fact have a wide variety of Pokemon. While he felt bad that Simba had missed out, it's not like he'd had much of a chance. He thought to put something like a berry on Freyja, but not Simba. It was okay though, something told Justin that the Luxray would have his chance soon. There was something about this place, Ecruteak, that made him feel that way. "Hold on!" He barked to Kuuma, who took note and dug his claws into whatever he could find. 

Gengar, being quick as a whip, shot forth a devastating blast of Shadow energy. For most Pokemon Justin wouldn't be surprised to see them fall, if they were on the receiving end. Freyja stood strong though, wings still keeping up the same humming pattern. Freyja! Great job!" Kuuma even unsunk his claws to cheer for the timid bug before reassuming the earthquake proof position. The gym shook and the ground clattered as the attack hit Gengar straight on. The ghost wobbled and was tossed before it hit the ground with a sound splat. It wouldn't be getting back up to battle this fight, not after that.

Once morty and Justin felt comfortable the gym wouldn't fall on them, the battle was ended and Morty began approaching them. Freyja buzzed her way over to Justin, hovering in front of him happily. He patted the side of her face and pressed his forehead to hers momentarily before Morty approached. The victorious Pokemon buzzed off to the side to chat with Kuuma while the trainers exchanged prizes. "I sincerely appreciate the battle! And I do hope to see you around. I think we're gonna go check out the Burned Tower tomorrow, should be pretty exciting." As Morty departed, Justin stored away his winnings and new badge before returning his Pokemon and waking up Simba. "Yeah, the battle's over but we've got plenty more where that came from. C'mon, ya lazy furball." Justin teased, ruffling the mane of the disgruntled cat.

GRAYE'S MARINADES