Operation: Burning Swarm (Gym Battle)(F)

[Marchbaby]

As soon as Kevin, Samantha, and Oracle entered the Azalea Town gym they could see a bunch of spider webs covering the walls and even some cocoons hanging from the ceiling that disgusted Samantha as she was not really fond of bugs or anything related to bugs unless it involved them being burned to a crisp by her flamethrower. " This places gives me the creeps, I can hardly wait to be out of this bug infested place. How anyone could like such disgusting, vile creatures is beyond me. This place is in need of some serious redecorating that is for sure. She said as they walked towards the back of the gym while taking the Lucky Egg from Samantha..

As they reached the back of the gym a purple haired young man was cleaning some of the cocoons that were hanging just above the arena and Kevin was pretty sure he must be the gym leader. " Excuse me but are you Bugsy by any chance. I am here for a gym battle and would like to challenge you if that is the case. If the rumors I have heard about you are true you are fond of bug type Pokemon and by the looks of this gym that certainly appears to be the case." He said trying to start up a conversation before the battle began. With how little he knew about Bugsy he might be able to pick up on the young mans strategy or at least find a weakness in his team if he chatted enough.

Oracle could sense that Bugsy was no slouch of a trainer by reading his aura and fully expected the battle to be tough. The one good thing was that they both certainly had the level to stand a chance against him. " I can tell this young man is quite skilled and cares for his Pokemon deeply. Unlike Silver this trainer will be quite a tough challenge to overcome. I would like to go first if that is Ok with you sir. It might save Samantha some energy that we might need later to win." Kevin had no problem at all with letting her go first as he thought of what to do first. As fighting type moves were not great against bug types he realized that Flash Cannon was really the only viable option Oracle had to start out with.

" Oracle let's start this party with a bang, use Flash Cannon on whatever Bugsy sends out. We do want to prove we are worthy of his badge after all and a strong move like that is far from the worst option. That and I doubt he has had to face many Lucario before." He said as Oracle got ready to strike.




OOC: Challenging Bugsy to a battle. Oracle is sent out and uses Flash Cannon.Removing the Lucky Egg from Samantha.

[Noerd]

Bugsy hummed softly to himself as he tended to the vibrant props in his Gym, keeping them looking somewhat presentable with a contented smile on his face. Even this little slice of the wilderness needed a small touch-up every now and then, really. As he busied away at the cocoons, polishing them up a bit, he heard the Gym doors slide open. A new challenger? The Leader's pace picked up significantly as he tried to finish things off so he could greet his guest properly. He cast a glance sideways as Kevin started to introduce himself, listening to the trainer's challenge while continuing to clean his Gym's scenery.

"Yeah, I'm Bugsy. Nice to meet you. I'll be with you in a moment; I'm just doing a bit of spring cleaning," the Gym Leader replied, stopping for a split second to wave toward his soon-to-be opponent. With that, he returned his attention to the cocoon beside him and carried on with his work. In complete quiet this time. The silence led an even eerier presence to the stadium around Kevin, with the webs and other Bug type paraphernalia around the place looking ever so slightly less welcoming without Bugsy's little tune. Fortunately, this lasted only a moment; Bugsy was soon on his feet and bowing apologetically to the newcomer.

"I am so sorry for that. I'd rather finish something once I've started. It feels more time efficient that way." He took a deep breath, calming himself before the formalities began. "With all that aside, welcome to the Azalea Gym! As I said earlier, I'm Bugsy, the Gym Leader here. Your name would be?" he carried on, offering Kevin a chance to answer before he continued on to correct the young man. "And as for what you said earlier, it's a huge understatement. Bug types are practically my life!" He thumped his chest proudly with one hand as his face lit up with pride. So forcefully, in fact, that Kevin would hear a small thudding sound. "Not to brag, but people call me the 'Walking Bug Pokémon Encyclopaedia'," he continued, bragging nonetheless. "I've been researching them for years now, and I still do to this day. The entomological - um, Bug - world is a fascinating one. There's just so much to explore and so many different types of Bug Pokémon to study. It's a passion of mine, plain and simple." He seemed to want to continue, but the Bug expert stopped himself short and turned the topic back over to Kevin instead. "Have you got anything like that? Something you just can't get enough of? A hobby that you'd happily work at 24/7 if you could?"

Allowing Kevin a bit of time to reply, the Leader then cleared his throat and pulled out his first Pokéball. "Anyway, I will certainly accept your challenge. My first partner shall be..." he began, throwing the ball out into the centre of the Gym. A small, green cocoon appeared from within the container, blinking a little vacantly. "Metapod" was the cry from the Bug type, as if completing its trainer's sentence. Seeing Kevin's Lucario come out on the other side of the field, Bugsy's mental cogs started to whir as he formulated a plan of action. This certainly wouldn't be easy for him. "Metapod, let's give the challenger here a taste of your Tackle to start things off!" he called out. It wasn't clear to Kevin if the Pokémon had even heard its order, such was its rather silent nature.

The first move, however, belonged to Oracle. The Lucario's paws lit up as she charged a brilliant, lustrous orb of light. Metapod droned on in that same monotonous, apathetic-sounding voice, but Bugsy looked significantly less composed. He knew that he was in for a rough ride; Fighting/Steel was a very problematic typing for Bugs to deal with. Still, he had to have faith. Even more so when the Flash Cannon erupted out of Oracle's palms. The beam of light cracked against Metapod's hard shell, knocking the chrysalis Pokémon backward and into Bugsy's midriff. The experienced trainer simply caught his partner, knowing in just an instant that the consciousness had already been wiped from the Bug's body.

"Well, that could've gone better. Sorry, Metapod, take a rest now would you?" He placed his Pokémon down gently before recalling it into its ball. "Well, y'know what they say. Desperate times..." He hurled his second ball forward. This time, a very different Pokémon appeared. Much taller than Metapod, the only real similarity with its ally was its colouring - a similar shade of green. "Scyther, it's all up to you! Show our challenger here the spirit of the Bugs!" Scyther let out a fearsome-sounding battle cry as it prepared for the brawl ahead. This one was certainly tougher if appearance was much to go by.

---

Metapod (Level 18) was sent out and swiftly dispatched by Oracle!

Oracle gained 900 EXP for that (sorry, too tired to get out images here!) and 1 Happiness (except no Happiness because MAX)! [900/1925]

Bugsy's next choice is his Scyther (Level 21)! Will Kevin switch?

[Marchbaby]

After defeating the Metapod Kevin finally realized that he never even told Bugsy his name. " Oh goodness that was rather impolite, that is one of my nasty habits given my line of work. My name is Kevin and I am the commander of the Pokemon Global Defense Army of PGDA for short. I can totally respect your love of bug types as I have seen first hand how a number of them can do both in regular battles and in war time so I made sure to come prepared when I heard you specialized in that type. By the looks of your Scyther this should be a very interesting battle." As he stopped to catch his breath he continued to answer Bugsy's next question.

" My line of work does not give me very much time for hobbies beyond marksmanship and raising new recruits like I am doing now but I am very passionate about raising my younger Pokemon so they can continue to defend against the evil groups of the world. You have already seen Oracle first hand and fairly soon Samantha will get a chance against you. For now though it does look like Oracle is still in pretty good shape after the first round considering the fact that she has nowhere near the training as her parents." He said as Oracle was ready to get the next round underway as soon as he finished chatting.

Beforee getting the next round underway he just had to commend the bug trainer for the fantastic catch he made saving his Metapod from further harm. " Before the next round begins I must say that was a fantastic catch you had there saving Metapod. Not many trainers I know could catch a Pokemon that take a direct hit from Flash Cannon and I am very impressed right now. I am really eager to see what your Scyther can do." He said as Oracle stepped forward ready to fire again. Unlike Metapod she knew only a lucky hit could bring it down in a single blow but even a normal hit would do a lot of damage to the bug so long as she stuck to Flash Cannon.

" As much as I have appreciated the talk can we get started with the next round. I want to test my skills against this Scyther." Kevin nodded as he gave her the order to attack. " Oracle use Flash Cannon on Scyther twice." He said hoping that this round would also end favorably for him and Oracle.



OOC: Oracle uses Flash Cannon on Scyther twice exhausting his Running Shoes for the battle.

[Noerd]

Bugsy's eyes widened as Kevin revealed his job title. "Oh my, an army commander? You don't say? I guess we're in for a rough ride then, Scyther." The Bug type looked rather unamused in truth, but Bugsy didn't seem to notice. "I'm sure he appreciates the compliment, Kevin. Likewise, I'm looking forward to seeing more out of your Lucario. It's clearly really well trained, and now I see why." Scyther moved to sharpen its blades, recognising that this conversation would probably take a little longer yet.

"I have to admit, I don't get much free time for myself either," Bugsy replied as Kevin began talking about his hobbies (or lack thereof). "Well, technically speaking, anyway," he quickly corrected himself before explaining why. "To be honest, I count Bug research and Pokémon training among my hobbies, so I guess I have all the time in the world for them." He chuckled at his own comment, a hint of nervousness about it as he realised that he was starting to brag a little."[/color] Kevin's remark about Oracle's parents, however, wiped the smile off of the Leader's face for a brief moment.

"Oh, are you telling me you have even stronger Lucario waiting in the wings? Oh dear, we've stumbled across quite the challenger..." Bugsy's facial expression said it all. He was equal parts terrified and excited by this opponent he'd been dealt today. "And thanks, though I think I was a bit lucky there. I'm just glad Metapod's not too badly bruised." He glanced down at the cocoon's Pokéball as he spoke with a caring smile on his face. "Similarly, I think I have to commend you on how you've raised your Lucario. Even if it's not the strongest you've seen, it's one heck of a companion you have there. Taking out one of my partners in one shot is a rare feat, to say the least. But Scyther here's in another league, so this'll be the real test, Kevin!"

Scyther took that last remark as a signal to ready itself for battle and adopted an aggressive stance, scythes in front of its body and looking about as sharp as ever. Oracle would, again, be moving first, much to Bugsy's surprise. "Scyther, look out!" was about all the Gym Leader could muster before his pride and joy was blasted by Oracle's trusty Flash Cannon. The Bug type gritted its teeth and stood strong, grunting softly as it resisted the blow as best it could.

In a few seconds, the lustrous beam subsided and Bugsy could breathe a sigh of relief. "Well done; that was the same attack that beat Metapod, so it's really some move. Give 'em a Leer now!" But before Scyther even considered Bugsy's command, it tossed something small and yellow into the air. On closer inspection, it appeared to be a berry of some kind. Bugsy looked surprised. "Oh, so even you've been damaged enough that you had to rely on that Sitrus Berry, huh? Jeez, this Lucario... anyway, go and get 'em, Scyther!" Scyther didn't need to be told; it fixed its eyes on Oracle and gave her the fiercest glare it could. Even the mighty Oracle couldn't help but step back a couple of paces, her resolve seemingly dampened somewhat.

"Good job, now follow that up with a Quick Attack immediately!" Bugsy continued, and his partner merely nodded. After that, the Bug/Flying type became nary but a blur as it sped up toward Oracle and slashed her midriff with conviction. However, even that lightning-quick attack seemed to barely faze the Steel type. Scyther kicked itself backward toward its trainer and braced itself once more, seemingly knowing what was to come already. And, just as it might've expected, another Flash Cannon battered it within moments of the Quick Attack ending. This time, Scyther yelped in pain, the attack clearly leaving a mark. Bugsy looked concerned, but his trusted Pokémon was clearly not out for the count yet. Two attacks resisted, but it looked weary from all that damage.

"Good job, buddy. You're doing me proud." Scyther didn't seem convinced in the slightest, though. "As I was saying, this guy is on a different level. We'll be giving this battle our all until the end, Kevin. Show us what you've got!"

VS. Falkner

---

Bugsy's Scyther | Level 21
HP: 6% (4/66 HP)
Status: Normal
Scyther used Leer, then Quick Attack!
Sitrus Berry was used!

VS

Kevin's Oracle | Level 25
HP: 90% (70/77 HP)
Status: -1 Def
Oracle used Flash Cannon x2!

[Marchbaby]

Taking a moment to enjoy the sights of the hard fought rounds Kevin was quite pleased with how things had gone to this point. Oracle's defense being lowered worried him a bit but as she could outpace any move except for Quick Attack that Scyther tried he was not too worried. On the other hand Bugsy's Scyther had been very impressive taking two Flash Cannons and still being able to fight even with a Sitrus Berry was no small feat though it still looked exhausted and he did not think it would last another round at this rate though he was not about to pull his punches as he really wanted to prove beyond any doubt that he deserved this badge.

At the same time though he at least had enough mercy to relieve a bit of Bugsy's fears about facing another Lucario. " Oracle is the only Lucario with me at the moment as her parents are on a mission right now so that might give you a bit of ease. Even so I am going to keep giving you everything I have this battle and I must say so far you have proved to be quite worthy of your title of bug encyclopedia. You have done a wonderful job with that Scyther especially giving it a Sitrus Berry like that. It might look tired now but it has fought very well despite taking two powerful hits. I am in envy right now of its determination." He said as Oracle grunted still a bit off her game from its Leer but at least in better shape overall.

" That thing sure knows how to cause worry at a glance but if that Quick Attack is all it can do I should be able to hold together long enough to knock it out before it can do anything too dangerous to me. Just give me the order and I will finish it off." She said as Kevin continued to speak. " Well it looks like it is time for another round. I admit Oracle cannot outrun Scyther so long as it uses that Quick Attack but from the looks of things brute force has worked quite well despite me being hesitant to rely on that as a tactic. As it has yet to fail me this time though I see no reason not to keep trying my luck until it does. Oracle use Flash Cannon on Scyther again." He said as Oracle got ready to fire.




OOC: Oracle uses Flash Cannon. 

[Lamont]

Despite all the mentions of the scyther being top percentage it still didn't change the fact that Oracle was, truly, on a whole 'nother level herself. The difference was quite apparent as the two stood facing each other. The lucario had nary a scratch while Bugsy's prized pokémon could barely stand straight. She was a tough mantis for sure, stubborn to a fault, but with her backup berry already used up it was clear that no matter how tough she was one more hit would likely do her in. And Kevin wasn't about to start going easy on the kid gym leader.

Overall Bugsy didn't seem bothered by this at all, his smile and energy in no way diminished by the obvious power differences between them. If anything it was inspiring. Just thinking about how much more his scyther had to climb on the power scale after witnessing this was invigorating. The Aura Guardian's praise only helped boost Bugsy's excitement.

"She's a tough cocoon to crack no doubt," he concurred. As Kevin continued on Bugsy eyed his prized bug and considered. The man was certainly right about Scyther's speed being her only saving grace; to a point. She was naturally speedy which typically helped dominate Bugsy's other matches. He considered whether he could get away with switching up with a U-Turn to put a bit of a hitch in Oracle's cannon spree. Probably not, if that first round was any indication. Kevin's Lucario was no slouch herself when it came to speed.

"You heard 'im Scyther, no reason to switch it up now. You need to get those claws in at least one more time," he called out cheerily. "One more time: Quick Attack!"

Scyther had been ready and waiting, saving up all her remaining energy for one last attack. The second the order was given she was gone, launching herself forth in a buzz of her wings the mantis pokémon was overshadowing the jackal in a heartbeat. Arm raised in the air, bladed edge bearing down menacingly upon her opponent, she crashed down with all her remaining strength.

It wouldn't be enough though, her attack not quite hitting the critical mark she was aiming for. Oracle diverted the blow to the side and shoved the scyther a bit to both gain some distance and put the weakened bug off balance for a second. She took aim at the struggling mantis, eyes still ablaze with the will to fight but the body not so much. Scyther had been a worthy opponent. With a final eruption of light and force she was put unconscious.

From the other end of the battle field Bugsy gave some minor applause before recalling his scyther to rest. "Wow, it's still impressive to see. I probably can't stop you from claiming that badge at this point but... I've still got one more for you to face Kevin." With that he lobbed another pokéball in the air and out came another familiar cocoon pokémon.

---

Scyther | LV 21 | Technician
HP: 0% (0/66)
Status: Normal
Used Quick Attack!

VS

Oracle | LV 25 | Inner Focus
HP: 71% (55/77)
Status: -1 DEF
Used Flash Cannon!

---

KO!

---

Oracle gained 1050 EXP!

---

Bugsy is sending out Kakuna (LV 18)
Switch pokémon?

((Fixed damage from last round))

[Marchbaby]

Just as Oracle had predicted she was able to endure Scyther's Quick Attack with relative ease. Scyther on the other hand had not been so lucky as it fell to the floor from her Flash Cannon and Kevin began to feel very confident about his chances of winning the battle. At this point he did not even have to rely on Samantha as Bugsy admitted his final Pokemon was a Kakuna. Kevin was no expert on the species but just like Metapod he knew their physical defense was superior to their special attack meaning that Flash Cannon should still be quite a deadly move to use against it as much as he hated making Samantha was all that time preparing for this battle.

" Samantha my dear, it looks like I will not have to use your flames after all in this battle. As much as I hate to put your gym debut on hold it would be a bit too cliche for our friend Bugsy here to win with a fire type as I am sure far too many trainers use that type against him. At least if we defeat him with a Lucario he will experience a fresh kind of defeat for a change. You will get a chance in another gym but Oracle will be sticking around for this final round." He said as Oracle cracked her knuckles in her paws ready to go all out against Bugsy's final Pokemon. By Bugsy's own admission even she could feel this battle was about to end quite brutally.

" This has been quite fun but it was not quite as hard as I had imagined. Still that Scyther put up a good fight given the options it had. I would not want to fight it when it evolves that is for sure. Kakuna on the other hand I will gladly battle at any time." Samantha on the other hand was a bit annoyed by the whole outcome but knowing that Oracle would probably win very quickly she just stood behind Kevin and gave the young Lucario her support. " Well this situation stinks for me but give that last bug hell for me Oracle. I admit it would be way too easy for me to battle with my flames. At least you cannot do super effective damage with your moves giving it a snowballs chance in hell of winning." Kevin then looked over at Bugsy who had gained a ton of respect from him before he spoke to the gym leader one final time.

" This has been quite a fun battle but I do think it is time for it to come to a close. You have been quite a skilled trainer especially using a type that gets so much disrespect and I am looking forward to raising another Scyther in your honor. For now though Oracle use Flash Cannon so we can end this battle."



OOC: Oracle uses Flash Cannon.

[Lamont]

Bugsy's smile grew a few inches when he heard Kevin mentioning fire type pokémon. He adjusted the net in his hands, twirling it a little, and nodding in agreement quietly in the background. The man seemed on a roll so it felt rude to interject with such an obvious confirmation of his suspicions. It was rarer for someone to come through and win with only using a single pokémon who didn't have an obvious type advantage. No, Kevin and Oracle won this by simply being better. They had trained together and brought both of their bonds to a height even Bugsy probably couldn't match. Scyther loved him, yes, but even they were so hilariously outmatched by their challengers today.

All that just made Bugsy happy though. It was a loss, and as he watched another Flash Cannon come to life after calling his own cocoon to try and get a bug bite in he felt a pang of guilt for even sending Kakuna out there, but the young gym leader couldn't think of a better person to have earned their second badge. It also helped that the man was in a military faction. Something new came by every day.

"Oh wow! You have no idea how much I appreciate hearing that," he answered Kevin after his Kakuna was soundly defeated before it could even shiver. Poor thing... Bugsy recalled it, apologizing in a whisper but noting that at least they had given it their all. "If I've inspired you to raise even one bug pokémon then I've accomplished something here," he continued to beam. "But I guess I should get onto business here ey?"

Bugsy skipped over, at some point digging in his pockets to withdraw a small box, some money, and a green colored TM.
"Standard winnings: your cash and a shiny pin to remember me by. Aaaannd, I want you to have this TM. Number 89, U-Turn. I didn't get a chance to use it in our battle but trust me it can be very handy to throw a fight in your favor. Especially with Oracle dishing out attacks like that." The boy turned to give the lucario a bright smile.

"No doubt you won't have any trouble getting to Goldenrod with such great pokémon by your side," he continued, looking to Samantha as well. She may have been a fire type, or so he guessed based on Kevin's banter and her general coloring, but the entomologist held no ill feelings toward the rival types to his favored bugs. "You've shown me that my Scyther and I still have a ways to go to even reach your level so thank you! I hope one day we'll get to have a rematch."

---

VICTORY!

---

Oracle grew to LV 26!

---

Gym Leader Bugsy was defeated!

He gave Kevin the Hive Badge, TM89 U-Turn, and $1,800!
Kevin may also use HM01 Cut outside of battle now

[Marchbaby]

Kevin was thrilled beyond words as the Flash Cannon connected with the Kakuna knocking it out before it could even get a move off. By Bugsy's own admission it was his last Pokemon so he knew he had soundly defeated the young leader soundly though he had enjoyed the battle quite a bit. " What a great battle this was, a shame it went by so quickly but it was very fun while it lasted. You can bet I would be up for a rematch any time. That U Turn TM will come in handy and so will the prize money." As he graciously accepted the winnings from Bugsy he smiled as the young man complimented his team.

" Thank you again, there are a few members of my team I need to train before we head to Goldenrod but you can bet we will keep giving it our all the moment we walk out of your gym. I do hope we cross paths again soon." He said as Oracle and Samantha followed him towards the exit. As soon as they stepped outside they had to make up their minds about where to go next as Eiskalt still needed more training before they could try to wrok their way through the Ilex Forest. There were a few tempting places to go but the group decided to try their luck in Cherrygrove as there were a number of Pokemon Kevin heard lived there that gained his interest.

Before they headed out however Kevin made a note about the entrance to the Ilex Forest as he knew its location would come in handy when his team was ready to move on. " Take a good look ladies, when the time comes that entrance will be our last test before we will reach Goldenrod. The entrance to the forest might not look like much but the locals here have great respect for the forest and its guardian. Maybe we will get lucky enough to see it when we pass through." Having said that he started to follow the path back to the Union Cave knowing it was his only choice to get back to Cherrygrove City so he could get Eiskalt to a high enough level. " This will be quite a walk but at least there is nothing in our way between these cities anymore. Having that Hive Badge will help with training you two as well." The group then walked through the cave and slowly made there way back until they reached the streets of Cherrygrove.




OOC: End