Weightless

[Andrew]

Andrew marvelled quietly as he stood at the entrance of the first Pokémon Gym in Johto. He’d made sure not to just wander in with no clue of what to expect like he supposed many new trainers probably had done before him. Before now, Andrew had been confident that he’d done enough work to beat the Gym Leader, but once he was outside, the nerves began to kick in. The Gym was a lot more intimidating once you were actually there, though it was also quite exciting.

Andrew decided to fight the nerves and go for it. If he wasn’t successful, he could always go for it a second time. Defeating Falkner was the only way he’d be sure he was making progress. It wasn’t exactly an impossible task. A lot of trainers had battled him and won. Having a Zephyr Badge would earn Andrew a little more respect as a trainer and would show his Pokémon that their work had paid off.

From what Andrew knew, the Leader of the Gym was a guy named Falkner. He’d never actually met him before but he’d heard that he was a fairly nice guy. Falkner used Flying-type Pokémon, a type that Andrew had seen a fair amount of so far. With two electric types to lend a hand, he’d surely put up a decent fight. Ruffle and Rayna were pretty pumped for this, as was Glint. The three had all worked on perfecting their super-effective moves for the battle. Andrew wasn’t sure yet which of them he’d actually need but it always helped to have a few lined up.

Andrew couldn’t help but shake as he entered the gym. The whole process was new to him and even after his research, he couldn’t be sure what to expect. As he looked around, he spotted Falkner waiting patiently for his next challenger. The Gym Leader looked exactly the same as in the photos he’d seen on the Pokémon League website. Andrew could tell that he’d worked hard to uphold the name his Gym had. He certainly didn’t look like a pushover.

The room was practically silent which made the experience that bit more terrifying. The only noise Andrew could hear were his own footsteps as he approached the Gym Leader. Andrew figured he should say something quickly although to him it seemed pretty obvious why he was here.
“Hello. My name is Andrew and I’m here to challenge you for the Zephyr Badge. I’ve done a lot of research on your Gym and gone through some pretty intense training so hopefully we’ll put up a good fight.” Andrew declared. He grabbed a Poké Ball from his belt, containing his Pichu, Ruffle.

“Let’s go, Ruffle! You know what to do.” Andrew spoke. The mouse Pokémon emerged from her Poké Ball with a flash of light. The usual cheeky grin was on her face as she bounced around, ready to let her foe have it. The Pichu didn’t need the command from her trainer as they’d already rehearsed it. Once Falkner released his Pidgey, she’d use her ThunderShock to blast it. Ruffle was hardy and didn’t share Andrew’s nerves. She was in this battle to win it.

[Kataya]

Falkner let a sigh leave his lips as he lay on the arena, his back against the wall, looking up out of the giant skylight that seemed to reach into the air for miles. Though, it was only a few feet higher than the buildings recommended height, it made his Pokémon seem all the more beautiful while they flew around in the air. Though, it was days like this he hated.

In the days before, he had been told there were a few challengers in the area, but… none of them were very up to snuff. His beloved Pidgeotto had taken their Pokémon down without many complications. His Pidgey didn’t really seem to be the perfect battler… Yet, he had only just captured it and it was still under the mentorship of Pidgeotto.

The trainers that had come to Violet lately… they were all just kids that didn’t know what to expect when they set foot into his Gym. They probably thought he was easy to beat. Hell, the other day, he had taken out a young opponent who had only used grass types the entire battle! Did the children that came through Violet City think he was that weak nowadays? His soft blue hair fell over his eyes as his mind shifted to the next thought.

There were also the trainers who completely underestimated the power of the birds and the sky. People showed up at his gym with an assortment of electric Pokémon. Pichu, Mareep, Elekids…please. He’d seen them all. Was type advantage really all that anyone ever thought about? Then they take out Pidgey and it’s like they’ve become Pokémon masters in one step. Yeah, right. His Pidgeotto would always show them a thing or two. It was trainers like that that annoyed him the most.

“Hello. My name is Andrew and I’m here to challenge you for the Zephyr Badge. I’ve done a lot of research on your Gym and gone through some pretty intense training so hopefully we’ll put up a good fight.” Oh hooray, another trainer to try and hit him with some electric type Pokémon, he guessed. Standing up, he let his voice ring out onto the arena.

“Welcome challenger, to the Violet City Gym. You’ve come a long way to challenge me, so let me be brief.” He frowned as he noted the Pichu that stood in front of the teen… Andrew, was it? So he was going to try and use type advantage, was he? He cleared his throat and continued:

“Do not think that my gracious flying types will be defeated with simple type advantage tactics. Many have tried to beat me using type advantage alone, and maybe one or two have gotten past my gym that way. Allow me to show you what a true user of flying types can do. Go, Pidgey!” The cream colored bird appeared in a flash, soaring into the air and then taking its place in front of Falkner.

“Pidge!” Ruffle engaged in a short stare down with the bird. Both were certainly in it to win it, but at this point, it wasn’t even remotely apparent who the winner would be.

“Pichu…” The referee took his place on the high podium above the battlefield.

“The rules of this battle are simple. Each trainer may use two Pokémon. The challenger is allowed to switch his Pokémon at anytime, but our gym leader may not. Your Pokémon used in this battle may not exceed the level of 20.If the challenger wins; he will earn himself the Zephyr Badge and quite a bit of cash.” The Ref. waved the flags as he spoke, indicating that the red flag represented Falkner’s side, and the Green represented Andrew’s side.

“Hm. Good luck.” Falkner shouted across the large area. The Ref. held the flags in the air, letting them linger there for a moment, before he brought them down.

“Begin!” Ruffle knew what to do right away, and with her being a bit faster than Falkner’s Pidgey, she charged her cheeks, which sparked up with electrical energy, and suddenly her body lit up in a large thunder shock. Falkner’s lips formed into a smirk, and his light chuckle rang out.

“Pidgey, I suppose you’re sure about what you’re going to do next."Pidgey cooed in a response. It flew towards the electricity coming at it and barreled around it, making sure to avoid the crackles that lashed out to hit its tucked in wings. In a missile like formation, the bird had managed to avoid Ruffles attack all together. The young mouse was shocked…so to speak. Why hadn’t that worked?!

“I told you not to underestimate my bird Pokémon, didn’t I Andrew? Pidgey, Sand attack!” Pidgey flapped its wings vigorously, picking up the sand-like particles from the gym floor and hurling them at the Pichu. Ruffles eyes were stricken with a sting and it made it so much harder to see. She’d certainly try her best, even with her accuracy dropped; she wasn’t going to give up. The next turn would most likely go a lot better for Andrew, all Falkner wanted to show him was he had to be careful, since starting the battle with a thunder shock was why he thought trainers underestimated him so much.
______________________________________________________
Info

You have challenged Gym Leader Falkner to a Battle!

Gym Leader Falkner sent out his Pidgey (Level 10)!

______________________________________________________
Battle!

Falkner's Pidgey | Level 10 |
Health: 100%
Status: Normal

[/b]

VS

Ruffle | Level 10 |
Health: 100%
Status: Accuracy (-1)!

[Andrew]

Andrew began to quiver slightly after hearing Falkner’s voice. He seemed really confident and probably expected Andrew to lose. Andrew kept reminding himself of the training he’d done so far. He’d spent a long time working for this battle and he wasn’t going to back away.
“If I was going for a type-advantage, I’d have been more creative. I’m using Ruffle because she hasn’t had an opportunity to battle in the past few days and I know she’s been excited.” Andrew replied, hoping to change the Gym Leader’s opinion of him. He didn’t want to be classed away with the others. By no means did he expect this to be an easy victory. If he was unable to defeat the Gym Leader, he’d just go for it again.

Andrew took a minute to register the rules. There was nothing that he hadn’t been prepared for. Perhaps his research had some use after all. “Thanks.” Andrew said, only half-focusing on what the Gym Leader was saying. Instead of having a huge conversation, Andrew planned to find some sort of strategy. He couldn’t get distracted when in a situation as big as this one. Seeing Ruffle’s attack miss really showed how experienced Falkner was but Andrew knew the electric-type would eventually strike down her opponent.

“Don’t worry, I hadn’t counted on this to go smoothly. One turn isn’t going to knock us though.” Andrew replied, hoping to show distinguish himself from the others. Ruffle’s confidence hadn’t been knocked at all. In fact, the Pichu was feeling pumped. She was full of life and hadn’t a notion of backing down. If anything, the miss had encouraged her to come back stronger. Ruffle loved a challenge and Pidgey seemed to be stronger than some of the other Pokémon she’d been put up against in the past.

“Ruffle, your accuracy may have been lowered but I know if you focus, you’ll be able to strike Pidgey eventually.” Andrew told the mouse Pokémon. Ruffle was bouncing up and down, warming up before her trainer gave her the orders. The bell tied around her neck was jingling quietly. Andrew could tell that she was a lot less aggressive since he’d given it to her. Luckily, her battle inspiration hadn’t been altered in any way.
“Try another ThunderShock.”

With the command echoing in her head, Ruffle leapt into the air and growled. Another wall of electricity surrounded her as she carefully aimed at Falkner’s Pidgey, doing her best to see through the few grains of sand that fogged up her vision. She was determined to hit the Pidgey and would not give up until she’d won this. Ruffle needed to give Andrew a reason to call on her more often. This was her big shot.

[Kataya]

Falkner honestly admired the boy’s determination. Many other trainers the Gym Leader had met probably would have called their Pokémon back in frustration at them not being able to see, and the fear that their attacks wouldn’t hit. It was courage like that that got some trainers all the way to Violet. With the trainers coming in lately, he had to wonder how they had gotten past new Bark Town. Andrew was a bit different than them though, which was why he suddenly decided this battle was going to get good.

Ruffle focused really carefully, and through the grains of sand, she could see the bird Pokémon on the other end of the field, taunting her, mocking her… hell no. Once she was sure that the Pidgey was in her sights, she let the electricity fly.

“Pidgey, dodge again!” Pidgey moved to redo the maneuver it had done last turn, but Ruffle saw it coming.

“Pichu!” She moved slightly in the direction the bird was going, shifting the electrical current and sending it barreling into Pidgey’s small body, the shockwaves made the pigeon Pokémon feel like the inside of her body was cooking. Somehow though, the Pidgey managed to get itself flying again. It sort of hurt to move around though, and its vision was very blurry.

“Pidge…” Falkner was actually surprised Pidgey had taken that hit.

“Pidgey, are you okay?” He questioned the little bird.

“Pidge.” Falkner smiled. His Pokémon were certainly dependable.

“Alright, use gust!” Pidgey managed to flap its wings, kicking up a giant tornado of wind and items that had been caught up in it. It let the storm loose, and Ruffle, though attempting to avoid it, got caught up in it.

“Pichu!” She was blown back into the wall behind her, but managed to get back up shortly after. She then stood waiting for Andrew’s next order. Falkner knew if Pidgey got hit one more time that would probably be it. After all, over half its hit points were already down from one little thunder shock.
______________________________________________________
Battle!

Falkner's Pidgey | Level 10 |
Health: 47%
Status: Normal

[/b]

VS

Ruffle | Level 10 |
Health: 70%
Status: Accuracy (-1)!

[Andrew]

Andrew smiled as his Pichu’s attack finally struck Falkner’s bird Pokémon. It was a relief to see that Ruffle wouldn’t quit on him. It was really worth the drama to have a team of Pokémon who were determined to win, no matter what.
“Great work, Ruffle.” Andrew praised the Pichu though keeping a sharp eye on Pidgey. This was one of the few things he didn’t have trouble paying attention to. If he could earn that badge, he’d know that he made the right choice in heading off to Johto alone.

Ruffle had taken a fairly heavy hit from her foe. Andrew guessed that this was because the Pokémon was owned by a Gym Leader. The Pidgey was probably carefully raised since it had hatched to ensure that it was superior to the majority of its species. Even though Andrew hadn’t much experience in raising Pokémon, he felt pretty lucky to have Ruffle with him. She may have been a handful but she was tough. If she could just keep her focus, she’d surely be able to take Pidgey down.

Andrew had recently been reading up on raising Pokémon. He’d learned that Pichu would evolve through Happiness. With the Soothe Bell in action, Ruffle should be ready to evolve twice as fast. Andrew was dying to own a Pikachu. If Ruffle was this strong as a baby Pokémon, as a Pikachu she’d be amazing. “Ruffle, let’s try another ThunderShock.” Andrew ordered, hoping for a second stroke of luck. If he wanted the Pichu to evolve soon, he’d need to involve her in the battle as much as possible.

“Keep your focus.” Andrew whispered as he watched Ruffle dive straight into action. There wasn’t any need to remind her as she’d already planned on showing Falkner what she could do. No Pidgey would show her up. Ruffle was still finding it a little difficult to see but she was determined to overcome it. If defeating this Pidgey was all she could achieve today, she’d have done well.

Sparks flying from her cheeks, Ruffle used her tail to bounce up into the air again. As the electricity surrounded her for the third time, the rodent did her best to pinpoint where to catch her opponent. The flash of electricity was directed at Pidgey once again. Andrew crossed his fingers in the hope that she’d strike the bird again. This battle was important to him and since he could only use two Pokémon, he wanted to get a head-start. Falkner’s second Pokémon was bound to be twice as frightening...

[latani]

Vs. Gym Leader Falkner



Seeing an Electric type in his gym was a sight Falkner had grown used to, though it didn't make him feel any less annoyed towards the trainers who strutted in, parading their prized Pokémon under his nose. It had been amusing to watch their face fold into a look of crushing defeat when his birds blew them away.

At least Andrew didn't possess that same air of cockiness that most of Falkner's challengers did. The leader's blue eyes narrowed as Ruffle bounced onto her tail, pink cheeks sparking with electricity.

"Pidgey, fly low!" he commanded swiftly. Most trainers expected him to have his Pokémon soar up near the rafters and try and corner them by sending their attacks up as the birds came down. But his favourite trick was to have them come in low and sweep in hard, knocking out the opposition before they could blink.

His Pidgey chirped in reply and soared around him in a wide circle, dropping to mere inches off the wooden floor. Its wings just grazed the ground as it flapped them lightly to keep from crashing, body swerving as the brown and tan bird tried to keep up its evasion maneuvers.

Ruffle had grown tired of these dodging tricks and made a prediction of her own. The large jolt of electricity she sent flickering out from her body arced high before falling down, striking Falkner's Pidgey head on as it swerved to the right to keep up its evasive tactic. A startled cry erupted from its beak before the avian dropped to the ground, sliding to a halt in front of Ruffle.

"Falkner's Pidgey has fainted! Round one goes to the challenger!" declared the referee, raising the green flag that represented Andrew. Ruffle cheered loudly, showering sparks all over the floor as the leader recalled his fallen Pokémon.

He didn't look resentful, however. A smile appeared on his face, reaching up to his cobalt blue eyes. Raking his hair out of his face, the leader pulled another ball from a clip on his belt and tossed it into the air, letting it crack open to spill a bright light into midair. A large, intimidating shape appeared in the center, coalescing into a bird with a massive wingspan and medium sized crest of feathers sprouting from the top of its head.

Falkner's Pidgeotto blinked its sorrel colored eyes once before emitting a hoarse shriek. "My pride and joy, Pidgeotto! He's been my ace for a long time, and he's who wins me most of my battles. I hope you're ready for this!" Falkner informed Andrew, sending a proud look in the direction of his hovering bird.

The Pidgeotto smiled and nodded, flapping his brown wings lightly while watching Ruffle with a bit of a predatory gleam to his eyes. "Falkner has sent out his Pidgeotto! The challenger is allowed to switch out his Pokémon before the next round begins!" came the referee's voice. He looked to Andrew and awaited his decision.

Falkner's Pidgeotto: | Level 14 |
Health: 100%
Status: Mm, baby mouse; Normal

Andrew's Ruffle: | Level 13 |
Health: 70%
Status: Big bird O_e; Acc -1

Falkner's Pidgey was defeated!
Falkner sent out his Pidgeotto (Level 14)!

Will Andrew switch Pokémon?




Ruffle grew to Level 13! Ruffle can learn the move Sweet Kiss, but she already knows four moves. Replace one with Sweet Kiss?: ThunderShock, Charm, Tail Whip, Thunder Wave, Sweet Kiss
Ruffle also gained +2 Happiness points!

[/size]

[Andrew]

[[OOC: Deleting Tail Whip for Sweet Kiss. Thanks for the reply-]]

---

Andrew breathed a sigh of relief as his attack struck down the first bird Pokémon. He had a fairly good lead on Falkner now but with his Pidgeotto anything could happen. “Well done, Ruffle!” Andrew cheered which made the electric-type feel a little more confident. She wasn’t exactly intimidated by Pidgeotto but at the same time, the Gym Leader’s Pokémon probably had a lot more experience than she did.

Andrew had a plan to get the most out of this as possible. He’d use Ruffle to begin the battle so to include her. This way she’d get a lot happier while and gain some experience. He then planned to switch to Rayna in the hope that the Mareep could finish off Pidgeotto. This would allow her to gain enough experience to evolve into her second stage. Andrew had captured quite a few different species of Pokémon but he had yet to evolve a single one. Hopefully now, that opportunity would arise at last.

“I’ll keep Ruffle in the battle for now!” Andrew called out to confirm with the referee. She still had a fair amount of hit points so she had a chance to do some serious damage to Pidgeotto before he eventually switched out. “Ruffle, I want you to use another ThunderShock!” the trainer told her. His eyes locked onto the second-staged bird Pokémon, ready to warn the rodent of any danger.

Ruffle felt a little stronger again now that she’d taken down the first foe. She could tell by Falkner’s smirk that this second Pokémon was no pushover. Andrew had already explained to her that Rayna was to handle the second foe so she’d just do as much as she could. The tomboyish Pichu was a little disappointed that she couldn’t have the whole battle but at least she’d got off to a brilliant start. She was pretty happy with how things had gone so far.

Andrew had Rayna’s Poké Ball at the ready. He had a feeling that Falkner would be disappointed by his second choice of Pokémon. He had to admit that it really did seem like he was trying to take an easy route out of this battle but in reality, his reasons were far from that. He was being provided with the perfect opportunity to train his Pokémon while in a challenging environment. It would help them in future events if they were able to hold out under intense pressure.

[latani]

Vs. Gym Leader Falkner



The referee nodded as Andrew made his choice, raising his flags in the air. "The challenger is sticking with Pichu. Let the second battle commence!" he called out, waving the flags down to signal to the trainers that they could proceed with attacks.

Falkner knew his Pidgeotto possessed a speed advantage, and he'd be sure to press upon it to help him take out the little pest. "Alright Pidgeotto, whip it with a strong Gust attack!" he ordered, pointing at the waiting Ruffle. "Geoooo!" his Pokémon shrieked in reply, soaring forwards.

Beating his wings, the falcon began churning the air heavily with each stroke, causing the air to spin around him. Ruffle looked on anxiously, waiting for her chance to attack the flying menace.

Pidgeotto chirped shrilly before angling his wings and sending a blast of the stirred air right at Andrew's Pichu. She winced, struggling to stand against the powerful onslaught, but held on defiantly. Brown eyes snapping open, she clenched her paws and charged up some electricity, the pink spots on her face sparking.

She let out a battle cry and threw her Thundershock out at the hovering bird hanging in the air in front of his trainer. He let out a shrill squawk as the electricity coursed through his body, causing even more damage thanks to typing.

Weakened, the Pidgeotto struggled to keep himself in the air, wings trembling slightly as his body assessed the energy that had been zapped (pun intended) by the staggering blow. Falkner's eyes narrowed, but he called out a reassurance to his partner, trying to boost his spirits.

The referee watched quietly, keeping careful tabs on both trainers so that they didn't cause any infractions.

Gym Battle

---

Falkner's Pidgeotto: | Level 14 |
Health: 60%
Status: You yellow hooligan!; Normal

Andrew's Ruffle: | Level 13 |
Health: 52%
Status: It's electrifying!; Acc -1[/size]

[Andrew]

[[OOC: So I’m switching out now so Falkner gets two attacks in, right? At least I think it works the same way as a Potion?]]

---

Everything was still going smoothly which made the battle a little stressful. Andrew was starting to get excited but he quickly reminded himself that he hadn’t obtained the badge yet. There were still so many reasons to be cautious. “That’s it, Ruffle!” the trainer praised, delighted with his Pichu’s tireless efforts to impress him. “You’ve done great! Now, I think Rayna can handle it from here.” Andrew announced, trying to get as much from the battle as possible.

Ruffle scowled and began to stamp her feet. She was so close to taking down this second staged Pokémon and her trainer was once again ruining it for her. As she hopped up and down, the soothing chime of the bell began to calm her. Instead of throwing a tantrum, she turned back and sat down by her trainer. She still expressed the same sour look but at least she wasn’t going to do something they’d regret later.

“Thanks Ruffle!” Andrew laughed, trying to lighten the mood but the Pichu just seemed to get even more annoyed. “You’re up, Rayna!” Andrew announced, throwing the Mareep’s Poké Ball into the air. “Again, I’m not looking for an easy type-advantage! I’m actually hoping for Rayna to evolve.” Andrew blurted out before Falkner had a chance to criticise his choice of Pokémon. The Mareep was ready to win this. Ruffle had already given her a head-start and now it was time for Rayna to up her game.

“ThunderShock!” Andrew commanded, shouting a little too loud. The Mareep glanced at her trainer, wondering if the pressure was getting to his head, but proceeded with the attack nevertheless. Rayna shot forward and as sparks were released from her wool, she began to aim her ThunderShock attack at the Gym Leader’s Pidgeotto. As the Mareep became surrounded by a large mass of electricity, she concentrated as best she could on the target in front of her.

Andrew wondered just how long was left. He had a pretty good feeling about everything so far. He still had his two Pokémon that had more than enough energy to keep going, while Falkner only had a half-worn down Pidgeotto. Even so, he wasn’t going to overlook anything, no matter how close he was to winning. He was sure the Gym Leader would have some sort of trick up his sleeve. He probably did this fairly often to try to fool his opponents. Andrew was keeping a close eye on him though, just as Rayna was with his Pokémon.

[Kataya]

(OOC: Should be how it works, only because Pidgeotto has a higher speed than Rayna)
______________________________________________________
As Rayna was called from her Pokeball, she felt the same pressure as Andrew did. The giant bird didn’t really look like an easy foe, but… that was okay. She felt as if her strength equaled it, and her type certainly was to her advantage. Even so, the second stage Pokémon did have the asset of speed, and her wool stopped providing her with electricity. She couldn’t attack this turn.

“Did you forget? Your Mareep can’t attack as soon as it is switched with another Pokémon.” Falkner stated, his voice becoming monotone. Pidgeotto hovered in the air beside Falkner, awaiting its commands. Falkner pondered over his next move for a moment. He could use roost yes, but Pidgeotto seemed to be much faster than the kid’s Mareep, so maybe he could try that a last ditch effort.

“Pidgeotto, use your gust!” He commanded. The giant bird soared higher into the air, creating a giant tornado of wind and debris with its massive wings. Rayna dug her feet into the ground, which kept her from floating up into the air. Yet, the dirt and small items continued to hit her, giving her subtle damage. Rayna lifted her head after the gust subsided, looking back at Andrew. She was ready to use her thundershock if he asked her to again.
______________________________________________________
Battle!

Falkner's Pidgeotto | Level 14 |
Health: 60%
Status: Normal

[/b]

VS

Rayna| Level 14 |
Health: 86%
Status: Normal

[Andrew]

[[OOC: Ooh, thanks for the reply-
What I meant was, I get one attack in while Falkner gets two (because of the switch out). We do that here to speed things up so nobody has to wait ages but it's okay. I didn't make that very clear. But anyway, I just want to let you know in case you happen to be in that situation. :3 It saves a lot of time.]]

---

As Rayna emerged from her Poké Ball, she was hit heavily with a Gust attack from Pidgeotto. The flying-type move was pretty powerful but the Mareep was more than able for it. She sprang into action upon hearing her trainer’s command but due to the fact that Andrew had switched her out, he’d lost a turn and Falkner got a free move in. “I know you can do this, Rayna.” the trainer cheered.

Rayna wasn’t bothered about missing out on one turn. She knew that her trainer must’ve have had some sort of plan. The sheep-like Pokémon was feeling as good as ever. It was quite exciting to be chosen to participate in her trainer’s first Gym Battle, especially as the final Pokémon. It was up to her to knock out this Pidgeotto so her trainer could receive the Zephyr Badge.

The Mareep was always ready and today, she had a good feeling. She heard her trainer tell the Gym Leader about his plans for her to evolve. It was quite exciting to be nearing that stage already. She was glad that she’d encountered Andrew back in Route 30. So far, everything was going well for them both. Being part of a team was a lot better than she’d ever imagined. She’d be delighted if she could evolve into a Flaaffy.

Andrew’s eyes widened as Rayna began her attack. Knocking out Pidgeotto should have made Andrew feel nautious, but Rayna was bound to impress. The electric-type had yet to disappoint and she was one of Andrew’s most trustworthy Pokémon. She may not have seemed to stand out at first, but that had probably been due her modest nature. Since Sprout Tower, Andrew had realised that she was a lot stronger than she’d been given credit for. He’d definitely take her a long way with him.

[Vixxi]

Falkner hissed under his breath, eyeing the sheep. This wasn't going to be good and he knew it, but he wasn't going to give up hope. Agian! he called, his pride and joy soaring into the sky and into the sun. Rayna trilled and tryed to follow the bird, but lost sight of it, shaking her head to clear the sunspots from her eyes as she charged up her attack., when she was suddenly hit by a blast of air from straight above. The mareep's legs quivered, the air's pressure as if a human were sitting on her, however she knew where pidgeotto was now. She gave a cry and lifted her tail and head, a lightning beam formed from teh stored electricity in her wool and seemed to explode upwards in a flash. Pidgeotto gave a cry and began to fall, unable to flap his wings due to paralysis. He closed his eyes and waited for the crash..... but the crash never came. Falkner had run onto the feild and caught his bird in his arms, cradleing it like a child. Pidgeotto cave a coo and tried to move to return to battle when he saw Falkener's face, but the gym leader placed a hand on the bird's breast. Take it easy Pidgeotto, we are finished. Pidgeotto cooed and feinted away in Falkner's arms. Falkner petted his bird's crest and then pulled it's ball from his belt, returning it.

Looks like the second round goes to the challenger Andrew! The ref held up Andrew's flag and then turned to go back to his chair in the corner of the gym as Falkner walked towards Andrew holding out his hand for a handshake. Good job Andrew, it has been a while since I have had such an exciting battle. Please accept this badge, TM and reward money for beating me in battle. I underestimated you Falkener handed over the rewards and turned away, petting Reyna on the head as he walked past to the resting room for the gym. He had to get ready for the next chalanger.

Rayna trilled and bounded over, but stumbled and looked around as she was enveloped in a bright white light. After a minute the light died and she shook her head realising she was on two feet and had less fur. She smiled at her master and ran over hugging him. She had evolved!

~~~~~~~~~~~Battle!~~~~~~~~~~~

Pidgeotto
HP: 0%
Status: X.X FeintedParalyzed
Attack: A successful Gust

Reyna
HP:70%
status: Ha ha! [normal]
Attack:critical hit Thundershock

~~~~~~~~~~~~Congradulations!~~~~~~~~~~~~

Your Rayna has gained three levels and a happiness point and is now level 17 and has evolved into a Flaffy!

Your Ruffle has also gained 1 level and +2 happiness points!

Andrew has been awarded the Zephyr badge, $1560, and the TM Roost! Yay!

(all but money updated)

[Andrew]

Andrew beamed as he realised that his Pokémon had done it. He’d actually defeated Falkner and now he was receiving his first badge. “Rayna, you were awesome!” Just then, his eyes began to light up. A strange white glow surrounded Rayna. It began to consume her entire body until just a white silhouette stood in front of Andrew. “Whoa.” Andrew gasped. He watched as the Mareep began to change shape. She grew taller and seemed to lose a lot of her wool.

The light slowly faded to reveal a pink Pokémon that stood on its hind-legs. Rayna had evolved into a Flaaffy! “I knew you could do it!” Andrew laughed, running over to his Pokémon. Rayna enjoyed the praise she was getting. Being the centre of attention wasn’t something she was used to. The Flaaffy may have looked a lot different and possessed a far great level of strength but she was still the same Pokémon she’d always been.

Andrew turned his attention back to the Gym Leader. Falkner presented him with a TM, some cash and of course, the Zephyr Badge. The badge was even cooler than he’d imagined. It was so shiny. Andrew quickly went to a side pocket in his bag and pulled out an expensive case. He opened it for the first time and placed the badge neatly inside. “Thanks Falkner. I really enjoyed that match. I might see you again sometime.” Andrew smiled, bidding farewell to the Gym Leader.

This day had been quite exciting for everyone. It had all put Andrew in an extremely good mood. His hard work had really paid off in the end. As he exited the gym, he planned out what to do next. He’d probably start by heading to Azalea Town. He’d heard around that there were suspicious faces around that area but he was feeling quite confident now. His next goals were to train Rusty, the Pidgey he’d received from Sarah, and evolve Ruffle at last. The Soothe Bell was really making a difference.