Hives and Knives [Gym] [F]

[Andrew]

OOC NOTES:

I requested the changes I mentioned here in the Pokémon/Item Transfer/Updates thread so I don't think there'll be anything to update. You can skip to the last paragraph for modding.

Andrew groaned as the natural light hit his face. Maybe sleeping by the window hadn’t been the wisest of ideas. He rubbed his eyes and lifted his head. He could tell it was still early but it was beginning to get a bit noisier. Some of the trainers quietly packed up their things, making a conscious effort not to wake those around them.

Andrew was approached by a Chansey who had noticed him waking up. The nurse Pokémon handed him a tray with six Poké Balls on it.
"Thanks Chansey." Andrew tried to speak but his voice was hoarse. He placed the Poké Balls into his backpack and stretched his arms out. It seemed pointless to sleep again, especially now that Chansey had spotted that he was awake. Besides, he had big plans for today.

He packed his stuff and changed into clean clothes. He tried to plan what changes he’d make to his party as he brushed his teeth. Alena immediately came to mind and along with his Charmander, Sanga. He’d spent so much time training Dario and Yael recently. It seemed fair to leave them behind this time. Besides, the rest of his team were more suited to Bugsy’s Gym if he needed some backup. After making his way over to the PC, Andrew made the switches to his team. He silently waved to the nurse and the Chansey as he exited the building. Although some time had passed and most people had gotten up, he did his best not to disturb those who remained.

It seemed like a good idea to challenge Bugsy while his Pokémon were feeling fresh. He just hoped that the Gym would be open at this time. Not wanting to loiter around the entrance of the Pokémon Center, Andrew strolled into the town. After arriving to a more open area, Andrew decided to call on Sanga.
"Sanga, come out here." A small Charmander appeared in front of him. He looked much healthier than the last time his trainer had seen him. Andrew knelt down to the fire-type’s level and hugged him. "I’m glad you’re okay."

He could hear some distant voices. They seemed to be talking about the gym which put pressure on Andrew to get there before them.
"Come on, we’re going to challenge the Gym here. You’re still recovering so you won’t have to battle. It’ll be fun to watch." Andrew picked up Sanga and placed him on his shoulder. They’d move faster if he carried him.

The town wasn’t very big so finding the Gym was easy. They soon arrived at the bug-themed building. Andrew pushed the one of the front doors open and ventured inside.
"Is there anyone here?" he called out. "My name is Andrew and I’m here to challenge you." Looking around, it seemed like he'd successfully made it here before anyone else. Now he just had to find the Gym Leader.

[Lamont]

---

If ever anyone entered the second Johto league gym without knowing what theme to expect, it would be undeniable the place was a haven for bugs. The ground was coated with a thin layer of packed dirt to start, bushes and short grass growing further in from the entrance, but most impressively were the trees and massive sprawling webs sprawled throughout the large building. Finding anyone in here was like trying to flag someone down in a light, but untamed, forest.

But it was still indoors despite its looks, which meant it wasn't nearly as expansive. Thusly, an easy way to attract attention would be a simple shout. Andrew's voice carried through the otherwise peaceful gym and did indeed draw someone closer. From a line of trees partway in a purple haired boy poked his head out around the trunks. He took a second to take in the challenger before sticking his free hand in the air and giving Andrew a wave.
"Morning! Just a moment," he called back as he disappeared back behind the tree.

Packing up a couple things the young lad was soon on his way to the center of the field carrying a few of the signature bug catcher accessories. He greeted Andrew with a beaming smile, "Welcome to my gym! I'm Bugsy, the bug encyclopedia." The boy paused for a moment to set down a kit and plant the butt end of his massive net into the ground. "Sorry for the wait, just brought in a fresh little spinarak having trouble in the wild. Wanted to make sure he was doing okay."

"But you're here for a badge hmm? Well I hope you're ready. My bugs won't be like anything you've ever encountered before, I promise you." Smile widening even further than seemingly possible, Bugsy slipped a hand to his belt and clipped off one of his three pokéballs. With an excited toss his first pokémon was revealed.

"Ready?"

Bugsy sent out his Metapod! (LV 18)
Choose a pokémon for battle

[Andrew]

OOC NOTES:

None

The Gym Leader greeted Andrew, although he seemed to be in the middle of something. It was still very early in the morning so maybe Bugsy hadn't been expecting a challenger at this time. After a short wait, Andrew received a proper introduction. Busgy seemed a bit younger than the previous gym leader, Falkner, from what Andrew could tell. He spoke confidently but maintained a friendly attitude.

"No problem, I think was pretty optimistic to come here at this time anyway. I hope Spinarak is okay," Andrew replied. Sanga rested on his shoulders, checking out his surroundings. If he wasn't still weak and recovering, this would have been a perfect battle for him.

"Yeah, I'm trying to get my second badge today. We're definitely ready." He waited for Bugsy to send out his Pokémon before making his own choice. When a Metapod appeared at the other side of the arena, Andrew immediately knew who to choose. He was familiar with the cocoon-like creature from Viridian Forest, near his home. It was well-known for its Harden move so he would have to stick to special moves as opposed to physical ones.

Andrew drew a Poké Ball from his belt. He wanted to save his fire-type moves for later in the battle. "Alena, let's go! Use Venoshock." The purple serpent energetically emerged from her Poké Ball. She hissed as she eyed up her opponent with an intimidating glare.

[Lamont]

---

There was a sparkle in Bugsy's eyes as the ekans was revealed. His free hand excitedly moved up in front of him balled in a fast as he craned forward to take in the slithering being. "I see! Can't say I see many of those around here. You've certainly put some more thought into this challenge than most," the young boy complimented. "Most times I just get flying and fire types. Falkner must really leave an impression on new trainers," he laughed, adjusting his posture to stand straight and more composed than he'd been.

Metapod was less ecstatic for the challenge. The cocoon pokémon hadn't moved at all when Alena was first revealed, simply sitting there like a statue as the species was want to do. But once those lazy eyes drooled up into the fierce gaze of the snake it changed. Metapod shivered lightly, a cold slipping down its body with a rise in desire not to further upset the poison pokémon. Though that was going to be difficult, as Bugsy lifted a finger to indicate the ekans and called for a tackle.

With her intimidation a success, Alena gurgled up some of her venom and spat a glob of it at the stationary target. It was an easy mark. The viscous poison encompassing the pointed figure and dripping all the way down into the ground. A quiet whimper escaped the bug pokémon, but it got itself together soon enough. Throwing out a sticky line on Alena, the metapod used its webby connection to thrust itself toward her and slam into her with its solid shell.

---

Metapod | LV 18 | Shed Skin
HP: 41% (21/51)
Status: -1 ATK
Used Tackle!

VS

Ekans | LV 21 | Intimidate
HP: 94% (49/52)
Status: Normal
Used Venoshock!

[Andrew]

OOC NOTES:

None

Andrew laughed politely, unsure of how to respond. It was nice to hear that his Ekans was a somewhat original choice. However, he did in fact have a fire-type and maybe even a flying-type lined up for the battle which made him feel a little less cool. He decided not to comment as he didn't want to give his opponent any hints that could hinder his chances of earning a badge.

Sanga rested on his shoulder, eyes fixed on the battle. Perhaps Bugsy was expecting Andrew to select him later. The Charmander, who was still recovering, didn't look like much physically so maybe Bugsy would let his guard down.

Alena stayed silent, moving around the field in weird patterns. As usual, she was extremely hard to read. Andrew still hadn't figured her out.
"Nice one, try Venoshock again!" Andrew instructed the serpent, trying to keep the pace up. He was sure that Metapod would be knocked out soon. His opponent's team of bugs were strong but surely they couldn't compete with his type-advantages and damage-increasing held items.

[Dan]

Poison type Pokemon were a stubborn breed, but honorable. Their dedication to their trainers was impeccable, something Bugsy didn’t let go unnoticed. The Ekans was giving Bugsy a run for his money, something many Pokemon were unable to do at the gym that had a very specific battle plan strategically laid out.

“Alright Metapod use harden!” The bug master called out, hoping to preserve his precious buddy’s health points. But Ekans was too fast, the snake spurted out its signature venom. The toxins began seeping into the coccoon’s interior, bypassing the outer shell it used for protection. “Oh no!” Bugsy said after Metapod fell over in exhaustion. “Return, Metapod. Your Ekans is pretty good, but my next Pokemon is even better.” Scyther came out of its ball, slashing the air to instill fear into the snake Pokemon. As Bugsy smirked, he noticed Ekans had been engulfed in a white hue. “Oh? It appears that your Ekans is evolving. I’m not surprised, many Pokemon have evolved in this gym.”

---

Metapod | LV 18 | Shed Skin
HP: 0% (0/51)
Status: Fainted
Used nothing!

VS

Ekans | LV 21 | Intimidate
HP: 94% (49/52)
Status: Normal
Used Venoshock!

---

Ekans gained 2 levels and is now level 23! Ekans gained 1 happiness! Ekans wants to evolve, will you allow it?

Bugsy sent out Scyther (level 21) to battle!

[Andrew]

OOC NOTES:

• Sanga should also gain a level due to the Exp. Share.
• Allowing Alena to evolve.
• Switching to Kiet who is holding an Expert Belt.

A bright light shrouded Alena's body just moments after Metapod had been knocked out.
"Oh my god!" Andrew gasped. He couldn't believe his luck over the past 24 hours. Alena was the third Pokémon of his to evolve in this short space of time. He watched in awe as the Ekans transformed into a larger, fiercer-looking snake.

Andrew had no doubt that Alena could continue battling but he wanted to play it safe and stick with his original strategy. The poison-type could always back him up later if his plan failed. "Nice one, Alena! You can come back now. You deserve a rest." He grabbed ahold of two Poké Balls, recalling the serpent with one and throwing another simultaneously.

"Kiet, it's your turn! Use your Flamethrower." The Ponyta appeared on the field opposite to the mantis Pokémon that Bugsy had sent out. Compared to many base-stage Pokémon, Scyther was intimidating but Andrew was confident in Kiet's abilities.

[Dan]

“Your Arbok is quite impressive! But I assure you my Scyther is impressive as well.” Bugsy normally could sweep a team with his large mantis Pokemon, but Ponyta was quite the adversary. Kiet’s powerful flame could extinguish many threats, especially the all-powerful flamethrower.

“Alright Scyther, use your quick attack!” Although not very powerful of a move, it ensured the speed Pokemon to move first, coupled with the technician ability, it provided some decent strategy. The large bug zoomed across the field, delivering a blow to Kiet. The horse Pokemon seemed un-phased by the attack, it was much stronger than Bugsy had anticipated. In return, Kiet blew a stream of flames at the foe, scorching Scyther’s entire body in the flame. Expert belts were great for defeating powerful boss Pokemon like this, something Bugsy might not have planned to encounter in this battle. “What a rare item that is! Good choice equipping it for this battle.” Scyther used some emergency provisions and ate its sitrus berry, healing a quarter of its original health.

---

Scyther | LV 21 | Technician
HP: 35% (23/66)
Status: Fainted
Used Quick Attack! Ate sitrus berry!

VS

Ponyta | LV 21 | Flash Fire | Expert Belt
HP: 66% (38/58)
Status: Normal
Used Flamethrower!

(( OOC: Andrew, I sincerely apologize for the long wait. I believe I've updated everything, but if not, feel free to pm me or post an ooc in your next reply and I'll get to it. ))

[Andrew]

OOC NOTES:

Thanks Dan, don't worry about it at all. I appreciate how much work you're doing for everyone <3

The conversation with Bugsy was competitive but friendly. It was refreshing to see that he wasn't arrogant about his position.
"Yeah, your Scyther is pretty cool," Andrew agreed. The mantis was undoubtedly his favourite bug-type Pokémon. Maybe he'd try to capture one of his own at some point.

Bugsy's words were proven to be true as the green creature withstood Kiet's Flamethrower. Its Quick Attack also seemed stronger than normal. Andrew could tell that Bugsy had carefully selected his team.
"You're right. It is impressive. Let's see if it can take one more though!" Andrew signalled to his Ponyta to repeat the attack.

Next, he addressed Bugsy comment on the Expert Belt. "I think items are an important part of battling. Obviously you do too." he replied, vaguely gesturing the Scyther who had just finished devouring a Sitrus Berry. 
"Even Sanga here is holding an Exp. Share." he laughed, slightly raising the shoulder that the lizard was resting on.

[Dan]

“Heheh, you’re surely the experienced trainer! Your Ponyta knows how to dish out a wicked attack!” Bugsy winked flirtatiously, but he did this to everyone. He knew how to have fun while battling and make newcomers feel comfortable while they completed their trial. Gym battles could be stressful, it was a pivotal moment in many careers, so the bug expert tried to lighten the mood a bit. Andrew had no problems however, he sure knew his way around the dynamics of fighting.

“I still have a few tricks up my sleeve though! Scyther, use U-Turn!” The abnormally large bug flew towards the horse, ramming into it, but immediately returning to its ball. In its place, a Kakuna appeared! It seemed angry, but that’s probably just its face. Many of the species had an ornery look about them. Although the cocoon Pokemon had great defense, it still couldn’t hold a flame to the Ponyta’s almighty fire attack. It was burnt to a crisp in seconds, unable to get back up. “Oh no! Don’t worry Kakuna, I’ll make sure you get well rested after this.” With Kakuna out for the battle, Scyther reappeared. Kiet and Sanga felt the power of fire burn inside of them, both gaining experience after being involved in such a glorious display of how devastating flamethrowers can be.

---

Scyther | LV 21 | Technician
HP: 35% (23/66)
Status: Normal
Used U-Turn!

VS

Ponyta | LV 21 | Flash Fire | Expert Belt
HP: 38% (22/58)
Status: Normal
Used Flamethrower!

---

Kakuna was defeated!

Kiet gained 2 levels and is now level 23! Kiet gained +1 happiness!

Sanga gained 1 level and is now level 7! Sanga learned Ember!

[Andrew]

OOC NOTES:

None

Andrew laughed politely at Bugsy's comment. He was glad to see his opponent was taking the situation lightly and had even complimented his skills as a trainer. It helped a lot to take the pressure off such an important battle.

Nevertheless, Bugsy wasn't going easy on him. From what he'd seen already, the leader had an extremely well-trained Scyther with clever move-pool that also worked great with its Technician ability. In addition to this, its U-turn allowed it to quickly substitute the mantis for a Kakuna just before Kiet landed his attack. Andrew felt sorry for Kakuna as he watched it get knocked out in a single hit. It barely even had a chance to figure out what was going on. He was just relieved to hear that Bugsy genuinely cared for it.

"I feel kind of bad for your Kakuna," Andrew admitted while Scyther returned to the arena. It was after putting up a really good fight so far but the signs of exhaustion were visible. While the same was true for Kiet, Andrew had faith in the Ponyta. The added experience from defeating Kakuna would only prove to make his attack even more powerful. "Hang in there and try one more Flamethrower. You can do it, Kiet!"

[Lamont]

"Hehe, I'm definitely going to have to make it up to him later that's for sure," Bugsy lightly chuckled regarding his golden cocoon. By now Kakuna was probably used to the treatment considering the gym leader's trump card for getting damage away from Scyther, but that didn't mean he didn't didn't deserve some compensation for constantly acting as a shield.

With another flamethrower threatened Bugsy made the quick call for Scyther's own attack. It would be close. The mantis' arms itching for a well placed strike to avoid another terrible burning experience and the horse's senses tuned with a flush of speed gained by his recent victory. No matter Kiet's speed though Bugsy was confident Scyther could out pace him. "Go now Scyther, Quick Attack!"

As fire rippled along Kiet's whole body Scyther advanced. Without a spec of fear for her weakness her wings blazed forward and brought her within striking distance in seconds. She came in low, hoping to strike upward for that critical she needed to stay conscious. It almost caught Kiet off guard. Instinctively he reeled back on his hind legs so the attack didn't catch his neck and instead harshly grazed along his chest. Now with a height advantage over the crouched bug the fiery steed let loose a belch of fire. Scyther barely managed to escape the worst of it with a sudden lunge and roll, and while she remained conscious for a moment afterward trying to stand it ended up overwhelming her.

A good thing. Kiet wasn't sure how much longer he could remain on all fours at this point. His legs shook as he stood victorious. "So close. Well done Scyther." Bugsy recalled his prized bug pokémon and gave Andrew some quick applause. "Congratulations Andrew!" he voiced as he practically bound over while withdrawing a small box. Standing by his latest challenger Bugsy opened the lid to reveal the badge and a TM. "You've well earned your second badge. As well as a little extra." Once the box was given the young lad also offered a bit of money as customary for a trainer battle.

"That TM is U-Turn, which you saw my Scyther use with Kakuna. It can be really handy for those pokémon who dish out a lot of damage but can't necessarily take a lot themselves. Or general training too. Send out your more experienced to swiftly knock a wild pokémon down a peg then immediately switch in with the pokémon you want to train," the boy explained with a smile.

---

VICTORY!

---

Kiet grew to LV 25 and gained +1 Happiness! (+5)
He would like to learn Fire Spin; forget an old move?


Sanga grew to LV 8 thanks to EXP Share!

---

Bugsy was defeated!
Andrew received $1,800, the Hive Badge, and TM89: U-Turn!

[Andrew]

OOC NOTES:

I updated Kiet's moves so there's nothing to update, thanks Lamont!

Bugsy maintained his lighthearted nature even under all of the pressure. Andrew was impressed as he'd never be able to pull this off. The leader order his Pokémon to use Quick Attack which made Andrew even more nervous. Fortunately, Kiet came back strong with his Flamethrower, winning the battle for them. 

"Yes! Thank you, Kiet! We won!" Andrew cheered, before his opponent even had the chance to congratulate him. Kiet grunted happily and slowly dragged himself back to his trainer. He was exhausted, although he tried not to let it show.

"Thank you for the badge... and for the battle." Andrew replied, finally feeling at ease. It was still early in the morning and already, he'd reunited with his first Pokémon, evolved his Ekans and earned his second badge of Johto. He hoped he could maintain this lucky streak for a while longer.

"Okay, we'd better go and let you recover before your next challenger arrives," Andrew announced. He recalled his Pontya and with a quick wave to Bugsy, he headed for the exit. With a Hive Badge in his possession, there wasn't a lot left for him in Azalea Town. After a quick stop at the Pokémon Center, he'd head towards Ilex Forest to continue with his training.