Fly the Coop [F]

[Morrigan]

Catherine's journey throughout Johto had so far been a pleasing one. In such a short amount of time she had managed to collect a number of Pokemon in various ways, all building up to the loving team she held close in her heart this very day. But something was missing for the young girl. This whole concept of battling was something she didn't particularly agree on to begin with. Imagining two creatures needlessly battling one another always made her sick to the pits of her stomach. But now she had experienced the other side of the coin, she was scarily enjoying it. Her own team were slowly growing stronger, one even evolving under her care. Then the wild Pokemon was able to be healed by her caring hand. Everyone was surely a winner. But having walked through the city streets, she had passed a peculiar building numerous times and having energetically harassed a passer by for some information, she learnt about the things called Gym's.

The small area in Unova where she had grown up didn't have such buildings, though obviously she had heard about them before. It was such a strange feeling standing right outside the doors of one. A feeling of excitement and thrill pumping around her veins. Would this new challenge quench her never ending thirst for something new? Turning her head before stepping through the automatic doors, Catherine shone a bit of attention on her partner who was travelling outside with her today, Piccolo. The mere mention of a flying type had sent her usually present Atlas straight into his Pokeball, feigning tiredness just incase the crazed girl were to send him in. Not that she had intended to use him in the first place. "This is it Piccolo!" Catherine chirped as she stepped into the tall building. About now, some trainers would possible feel a hint of nerves but Catherine was oblivious to such a feeling. "I'll be counting on you okay? Let's give this person a super duper Catherine and co bonanza special, okay?!"

Cheering to herself and finding the travel upward on the uplifting platform most accelerating, the blonde girl skipped out onto what could only be considered the battle field. "OOOH HAAAAI OOOO!" Her bubbly voice echoed from the wooden beams which hung all around them. "My name is Catherine and I'm here to challenge the Gym Leadeeeer! Let's have a fun time, okaaaay?!" Cupping her hands around her mouth whilst calling out her greeting, her emerald green eyes flickered from side to side, trying to find any sign of human movement. Shoulders slumping slightly, she turned to look at Piccolo, "Are they out?" She questioned quietly, lips parting ready to shout out once more.

[The REAL Joey]

To Falkner, the appearance of another challenger to his gym highly likely meant one certain outcome. Defeat. "Tch... I'm getting fed up with this. I wish dad hadn't thrown all this on me. I want to be doing what so many other teenagers my age are doing. Flying out there free. Living my adolescent years. Socialising with friends, having fun... Chatting up girls. Oh the girls... How come I can't catch a break?!" He blew hair out of his mouth so that his bang would flop out of his eye. Of late, it appeared that all the female challengers he had come across had dried up. Although there was that one encounter with that surly huntress type but the less said about that the better. Drooping on his clenched fist, he let out a depressive sigh. "Instead i'm cooped up in this gym like some bird in a cage. How ironic."

Hearing the new trainer cry out for the gym challenge, Falkner lazily got to his feet and had one last look at the vastness of Violet City before him. His gym wasn't like many other gyms. Most were restricted to ground height. Instead, the Flying type gym spanned many stories to such a great height. By doing so, it made a statement. Additionally, by having it up so high, those who weren't graced with the ability to fly would unfortunately slip up and fall from such a great height. It also allowed Falkner to feel at one with his beloved bird Pokemon. He may have been a mere human without wings but the least he could do is train at such a high height to bond with his Pokemon. As he stepped closer and closer to the main battlefield, he couldn't help but ruffle up his air to invigorate some life into it as he mulled over what would be the next challenge. "What are the odds this is going to be some dull, guy? Psch."

"Apologies! I was in the middle of thinking about something. I find staring off at the top of this grand gym tower helps me better reflect. I feel more in tune with my very own Bird Pokemon then." In reality, he wasn't really sorry but it was a simple device for him to determine what the trainer was like. Running his eyes over her figure, he seemed pleasantly surprised by having a female as his opponent and it showed on his face as he stared at Catherine with awe. This had been the first female he had seen in months! It certainly made a big change from all the electric using males running around. At least if she sent forth a shocking creature forward he could at least forgive her due to her looks. Using his spare hand to fluff his fringe, the gym leader smiled coolly and introduced himself. "I'm Falkner, the Violet City Pokémon Gym Leader! It would appear you're here for a challenge... Very well."

Calmly placing forward his arm that was supporting his bird Pokemon, he whispered something into its ear and watched as it went flying off in front of him a his chosen combatant. "I'll show you the real power of the magnificent bird Pokémon! Pidgey, I choose you!" With the official gym formalities out of the way, Falkner became a lot less formal and inquisitively called out to the unknown girl. "What might your name be? I always like to be able to put a name to face." He was going to converse with her a bit further but at that very instant, his Pidgey let out a loud, shrill cry which echoed throughout the spacious gym. Flinching an eye slightly, Falkner seemed to have his feathers ruffled. "Ack... Your move it seems, challenger."

You have challenged Gym Leader Falkner to a battle!


He sends out Pidgey (Level 10) to fight!
Please select a Pokemon for battle.

[Morrigan]

Taking in a deep breath and very much prepared to shout out for attention once more, the girl instead released the air back out again as her opponent made himself known. Expecting some scary, burly man to step out from the shadows, ready to throw her down the wooden beams to the floor below, she was taken aback at the sight of a teenage boy, probably only a few years older than her. Experiencing a strange feeling when looking at him, Catherine stared right back at him with an equal look of awe. Not used to talking to males around her age, let alone having Pokemon battles with them, she subconsciously began tweaking with her hair. Large green eyes flickering to and from the boy, her cheeks flushed a shade of pink. Surely the young Catherine wasn't experiencing her first crush on Falkner? Puffing his cheeks in jealousy as Catherine began muttering nonsense to herself, unsure of how to talk to him, Piccolo chirped out to the male Gym Leader angrily from her shoulder.

Still flustered, Catherine placed a hand on Piccolo's face to try and calm him down, "N-Now, now Piccolo. W-Where are you manners? H-haha.." Well this certainly was unusual, she really didn't feel like her usual self. Taking her hand from Piccolo, she turned back to face Falkner, a cute yet awkward expression spreading across her face as she poked her two index fingers together. "I... I like bird Pokemon!" Her bubbly voice weaselled out, cheeks deepening in colour as she learnt the males name. "Falkner.." She whispered in a dream like state. Piccolo rolled his eyes angrily and lept acrobatically right off her shoulder and out into the battlefield. Her first choice had been chosen, or more so he had volunteered for once. Covering her reddened cheeks sweetly with her hands and looking away as he questioned her for her name, she blinked her large eyes back and forth between the floor and the boy. "Catherine! M-My name is Catherine!"

Finally looking back up as Pidgey appeared just as agitated as Piccolo in wanting to start this battle already, the young blonde tried to straighten herself up. "E-ERRM! I'll do my best!" Holding her hands into loose fists by her side, the girl glanced down to Piccolo, who appeared raring to go in order to protect his Catherine. "Piccolo, use Aqua Tail, ok?" Her orders weren't usually spoken so calmly, but the Minccino didn't care. Chances were he would just pick an attack on his own to get this girl out of here before she became too entranced in the idea of love.

[The REAL Joey]

Sensing the flustering emotion from the female trainer, Falkner couldn't help but put on a cool smirk over his face as he fluffed out his hair. Making a suave look spread over his face, he gave her a small wink as she struggled to piece together her words. As opposed to actually hearing her name properly face to face, she blurted out that she liked Bird Pokemon, a fact which made Falkner shed his slight smirk into something of a warmer smile. "You're in good company then." Next would follow his name, something that made the trainer feel overly confident that he had perhaps been visited with some good karma after the string of bad fortunes he had encountered. This girl was falling hook, line and sinker for his high flying looks. As she struggled to overcome her smitten shyness, he heard her name and pulled a fairly impressed look. "Catherine huh? A delightful name to be sure." Hoping to get to know her better, he was caught abruptly as she found some unbeknownst resolve to him. Ordering out her attack, Falkner's face retorted into what can only be described as the look of a smacked arse.

"I, er... HUH? Oh... Oh yeah. Kinda forgot where I was for a moment. I really hate this gym business. If it were me, i'd spread my wings and see the world. I've always loved travelling. Instead i'm stuck in this dump of a city... Psch." Fluffing his air out once more with his hand, he returned it to his side. "So a gym challenge it is... Right. Pidgey! Take to the air, its time to show our guest what taking on the Johto gym league is all about!" Letting out a shrill coo, his avian flew to the air despite its stubby wings. For a guy who mentioned he loved grace and finesse so much, the Pidgey was hardly a synonymous link. Problematically, just as the Pidgey took to the air, Piccolo wasted no time in dabbing the bird in order to get at its obnoxious trainer. Jumping into the air and meeting the bird, it whipped its tail around, leaving a weird watery trail behind it as it struck. Hitting the bird square in the head and forcing it to plummet, it was almost as if the Pidgey had been drenched with a torrential wave.

"That's... An unexpected choice of moves!" Commented Falkner. "Nevermind, whip up a Gust!" Cooing, the Pidgey started to flap its wings with some irate feeling about it, every time it did, its wings would splash off with droplets of water. Nevertheless, after a good few flaps, its wings began to dry and its impressive master of the winds became apparent. Manipulating the winds to swirl around in a damaging gust, the heavy winds boisterously rammed into Piccolo sending him flying backwards to Catherine. Allowing his Pidgey to ground, Falkner called out to the young nurse. "Your clothes are very unusual. Tell me Catherine, do you come from afar? I can hear a hint of exoticness on your tongue." Deep down, Falkner was over the moon. Not only had he got to face a female opponent but she was also a bit smitten with him AND from some far off locale. A score if there ever was one. Of course, he needed to keep his cool in matters such as these. Just as he was inexperienced with gyms, he was too with members of the opposite sex. Hopefully neither would have any baring on today's proceedings.



Gym Battle

---

Falkner's Pidgey | ♂ | Level 10 |
Health : 32% (10/31 HP)
Status : Normal
My wonderful feathers!

Piccolo | ♂ | Level 12 |
Health : 81% (29/38 HP)
Status : Normal
Cuckoo to you

---

Weather status: Normal

---

[Morrigan]

Hands still covering her flustered cheeks, the young blonde kept her eyes closed whilst wriggling energetically on the spot. Falkner's suave grins and cute fluffing of his hair was certainly making the girl feel weak at the knees. Maybe it was merely excitement from facing a Gym Leader, he was practically a famous figure, right? Smiling warmly back at his comment, a thought suddenly the the girl, the realisation leaking out into her words. Large eyes glancing upward and a lone finger being placed on her lips, she muttered to herself, "Ooh but I don't have a flying type yet... N-No matter! I'll capture one sometime soon and then I can always remember my first Gym battle. I now love birds!" Giggling cutely, Piccolo rolled his eyes, not as interested in a feathered friend joining their group. In his eyes she had too many Pokemon already and this possessive little Minccino wasn't going to welcome anymore unwanted faces to their group. His ears suddenly rolling up as Catherine let out a fan girlish squeal over the compliment at her name, the girl was clearly not over her flustered state. "You really think so?! W-Well Falkner is a cute name too! Really, really!"

Catherine's grin fell as Falkner seemed a little shocked that she had ordered an attack. Had she done something wrong? Had she upset him already? Perhaps she really was useless with boys! Shoulders drooping slightly and eyes looking saddened, she listened to his words, not yet getting that she wasn't particularly in the wrong. "H-Huuuh? You don't like being a Gym Leader? But, but, it seems so cool! I'm sure so many people look up to you! And there is a school in this city right? Im sure there are children who want to grow up to be just like you!" Finally getting her grin back, she out stretched a hand toward him, "But I can see it is probably sad too, having to stay here. I bet if you could adventure, you would be really really strong! I'm sure you'll be able to some day, or I'll save you somehow!" Her words most likely sounding cheesy, she instead fell quiet for a moment as Piccolo and Pidgey fought it out. His bird was speedy but actually, her own Pokemon was surprising her. Piccolo could be lazy and long to switch out but for once he was actually trying really hard.

Flinching slightly as Falkner attacked back, ordering a hefty gust of wind which lifted Piccolo right off the ground, Catherine took a single step forward, looking ready to dash forward and collect her friend. But it was okay, Piccolo made her proud by forcing himself back up onto his feet, nose wrinkling. He wasn't going to go down so easily. "H-Hmm?" Noting he had been able to have a better look at her close, Catherine looked down at herself, "Does it look really weird?" She whimpered, shaking her head from side to side before answering him properly. "I'm from Unova, it's reaaaally far from here. But so far, I'm really liking Johto.. Hey, I think you would like Unova, Falky!" Having absent mindedly just given the Gym Leader a simple, uncute nickname, she nodded over to Piccolo who was noisily demanding another order. "Yes yes, Aqua Tail again, okay? Whats wrong with all your chirping..

[The REAL Joey]

Pleased to see he was having such an visible impact on the challenger, Falkner fluffed his hair once more before pulling his attempt at a suave smile while talking in what appeared to be a dreamy, expressive way of tone. "May I make a recommendation? It is delighting to hear you're converted to the beauty and grace of bird Pokemon but if there is one Pokemon you should catch it is none other than a member of the Pidgey line." Holding his hands together in front of himself, he swooned a little as he recalled all their notable features. "Beautifully wonderful plumage, exhilarating flying, soothing cries... They're the crème da la crème." Suddenly pulling an angry expression, he scolded her quickly. "Pay no attention to those who say Pidgey are common!" Calming down, it was enough of an implication to understand Pidgey were a divisive subject. Along the lines of Marmite. You either loved them or hated them. Plucked from the skies, Falkner was bought crashing down as she complimented his name. "W-Wha? You think so? I always kinda hated it... But if you like it, i'm sure I can change my tune!"

Truth be told, Falkner's name was something his father was adamant on naming him. Yet another glaring reminder of how he seemed to be constantly in his shadow. Shaking his head again, he would be once again snapped back into reality by Catherine's conversation. "Well, I enjoy it but it wasn't something I was really wanting to do. This world is a big one and I really wanted nothing more than to fly alongside my Bird Pokemon, covering it all from above in the sky. That seems like a far off dream seeing as i'm cooped up in this bird cage of a gym, feh..." Oddly enough, despite the confined depression he usually felt after he reminded himself of what he really wanted to do in life, Catherine's words appeared to have made him realise he stood for something so much more. He had just never heard anyone phrase it in such a way. "You... Really think so? That kids look up to me and pride me as a role model? Huh... Maybe there IS more to this gym lark than I first thought." Placing his head up high for the first time in his gym career, Falkner appeared to have finally found his spark. The spark to ignite his passion.

Unfortunately, as he grinned over his new found realisation, he was totally open. As Catherine had ordered her move, the Mincinno went bounding forward, clearly eager to ground the annoying flying bird and get it to shut up with its shrill cries. Making a series of incredible flips and somersaults, the little chinchilla lashed out its tail with a watery flood trailing it. Dabbing the bird right in the chest, it went smacking to the ground with a terrible impact. As the dust settled, it was clear that Falkner was having mixed feelings. "Ack...! I got so carried away there having understood something about this gym battling that I neglected I was even fighting... Not a good start." Shaking his head as he returned his Pidgey having grabbed the Pokeball hidden up his sleeve, he took out a new one and sent it forward, materialising forth a much larger version of the Pokemon Catherine had faced prior. "Pidgeotto! This bird boasts an incredible array of abilities and strengths... I hope you're ready now Catherine!" Despite his confident assertion, he trailed off as he relaxed into a more casual tone. "Unova...? Sounds very far off. Perhaps one day my birds and I will soar the skies above and visit this region. Does it have many beautiful Bird Pokemon?"




Gym Battle

---

Falkner's Pidgey | ♂ | Level 10 |
Health : 0% (0/31 HP)
Status : KO'd
...

Piccolo | ♂ | Level 12 |
Health : 81% (29/38 HP)
Status : Normal
Well that's one flying Rattata down

---

Weather status: Normal

---

Victory!

---

Your Minccino fought courageously and has levelled up!
It went up by 2 levels and is now Level 14!
Piccolo would like to learn the move Doubleslap.
Delete a move so that he may learn it?
Piccolo also gained +1 Happiness.

---

Falkner sends out Pidgeotto (Level 15)!
Do you wish to switch Pokemon?

---

[Morrigan]

Leaning forward as she listened closely to the words of Falkner, the young Catherine was easily enthralled with the idea of getting a Pidgey. The way he described such a creature made her eyes sparkle, it was surely something she would be lost without on her team. "A Pidgey! After this battle, win or lose, I will capture a Pidgey! In memory of this meeting between us and to show people all over how amazing bird Pokemon are!" Gripping her hands together in a similar fashion as Falkner did, she made an elegant spin on the spot, "Now that I think about it... Pidgey really are cute! And your one is a tough one! Heehee, I want a bird Pokemon too!" Getting excited about this little bird fantasy, Piccolo snorted at the idea of having such a feathered fiend on the same team. No doubt he would pluck the feathers out of it out of hatred. Still, he held back his true intentions for now, eyes fixated on his Pidgey opponent which was hovering around, waiting for it's next order. He would've gone ahead and attacked on his own accord but almost tripped on his face as Catherine squealed out loud.

"EEIIYEEE! That sounds like such a sweet dream! Dont worry, some day soon, you can spread your wings and fly as much as you like! Like to Unova! There are loads and loads of pretty birds which you would just love! Pidove, Swanna, Rufflet! So so many~" Fluffing her hand in the air, she continued, "But you have skill as a Gym Leader, right? You were acknowledged by the Official League too? And you're the very first of this region? I think that makes you super duper cool!... B-But you probably hear that all the time, haha-hah.hah..hah..ha..." Looking around shyly as he appeared to really take her words to heart, it wasn't until Piccolo finally lashed out with a flick of his water doused tail that Catherine flinched her emerald green eyes. Hands raising to cover her surprised expression, she appeared distressed in her own way, she didn't want to lose a friend already. "G-GAH! I'M SO VERY SORRY!" Catherine shrieked, head bowing numerous times before noticing Piccolo skip back to his trainer's feet.

Looking up longingly, he was used to be praised by now but Catherine held mixed feelings of her own. Did she really want to carry on this battle in return for hurting Falkner's feelings? The flash of his second Pokemon caused the two to look away from one another to examine his next choice, "Y-You're not mad, right?" She whimpered sadly, noting that this was a Gym challenge, so surely he couldn't take that defeat to heart too much. Gulping, she reached into her own pockets, pulling out a ball to withdraw Piccolo and selecting another. Cupping her second choice in her palms, she looked down sadly. Although one the outside she was energetic and a bit of a ditz, deep down she usually had a strategy of some kind and it was the same in this situation. But having actually met Falkner, she wasn't sure if it was a bit of a cheaters way out. Her hesitance being clear, she shook her head. There was no way she could hold back after a few unusual feelings. Flicking her wrist forward, a spark of red light revealed a precious Munna, the pink pig like creature floating silently and sleepily in the air. "O-Okay Falkner! Marzena is one of my closest Pokemon, I'll be using her now!" Remaining in her sleep like state, the Pokemon lifted her eye lid a slither, taking in the sight of Pidgeotto before shutting it again. "Use Yawn, okay?!"

[The REAL Joey]

Falkner's face ecstatic despite his loss of a Pokemon, it appeared that he had made a fine convert today. In the age old invisible war of Flying types against Electric, this surely counted as a victory better than any mere Pokemon battle. But that wasn't where Falkner was going to stop. He had some information to share as well. "Oh in that case, may I be of assistance? You can find Pidgey usually flocking in the quaintness of New Bark Town. You might even find some in Route 32. I used to play with them a lot as a child... Well. Not play. Just watch them fly overhead as I pretend to be a bird down on the ground, running around with my arms outstretched." As their idle banter continued, Falkner's feigned coolness seemed to falter as he was buttered up by Catherine's words. Running an uneasy hand on the back of his neck as he tried to laugh it off, he revealed he wasn't all that popular. "I have a few die hard fans but... I think a lot of people even forget who I am. It's my father this, father that... That and it seems a lot of the people here are in love with that Whitney girl. She's like Miss. Popular." Shrugging, it was of little consequence. Having warmed up to Catherine, it was going to be that much harder to claw victory from her. But he would do what he had to.

This was prime for his taking and perhaps she might have even dropped her guard with how taken she was with himself. Fluffing his hair to try and regain some of his debonair charm, Falkner played down her concerns. "No, i'm not mad at all... But you had best watch out! Because in case you forgot, this is a gym match!" Flying a finger forward with a swift motion, he ordered his Pidgeotto on the offensive. "Pidgeotto, take to the air and whip up a Gust. Bombard that... Err... Marzena thing!" Unsure of what it was, given the fact it was yet another Unova Pokemon, he went with Catherine's chosen nickname for it. Speeding upwards with a blur, the Pidgeotto was quick to make its flight and it wasn't long either as it began whipping up a barrage of wind. The wind becoming turbulent, the gust rammed into Marzena who was unsettled noticeably by the strength of the winds. However, as the Pidgeotto's stamina drained and it settled down, the unthinkable happened. As if bored and deflated by the Pidgeotto's show, the Munna opened her mouth wide just as a yawn tried its best to escape before making the Pidgeotto do the same, who opened its beak as it did the same. "That's a fairly weird way of attacking..." Noted Falkner, clearly bewildered but almost yawning himself.



Gym Battle

---

Falkner's Pidgeotto | ♂ | Level 15 |
Health : 100% (48/48 HP)
Status : Normal, Yawn activates T -1
You'd yawn at my flying majesty?!

Marzena | ♀ | Level 17 |
Health : 83% (48/58 HP)
Status : Normal
Oh so lazy...

---

Weather status: Normal

---

[Morrigan]

If all Gym challenges were as talkative and friendly as Falkner, in Catherine's eyes, she would be looking forward to any future battles with these figure heads. Although nervous and a bit smitten by the male, she portrayed a different glow of happiness to when she was out exploring the world. Why, if she could, she would possibly settle down in Violet City and train as a nurse in the small, traditional city. But the promise she had made to her adoptive mother forbid her from doing such a thing. Travelling around the region and returning home a strong, new Catherine, that was her goal for now. Hands clapping together, she was looking forward to catching herself a feathered friend, "New Bark, Route 32, got it! You bet I will return to Violet City, maybe I will even have a Pidgeot! Heehee, that is what their final evolution is right?" Lifting a single foot onto the tip of her toes, she twirled her ankle slightly, "I.. I know alot about Pokemon, kinda... I-I really want to be a nurse when I grow a little older! I g-guess this journey is gonna help me m-mature some. Yep!!" Cheeks flushing with embarrassment over stating her goal for being in Johto in the first place, she returned back to the battle, although wanting nothing more than to continue their volleying of sweet comments.

Breathing out in relief as he stated that he wasn't angry with her, the blonde trainer scratched at her cheek gently with an awkward smile. "O-Oh good! Trainer and Gym battles are scary, I don't want to upset anyone.." Suddenly feeling a bit more pumped as he went to order his move so coolly, Catherine swooned over him some before bouncing up and down on the spot herself. As both attacks were ordered and carried through, she did find Falkner's confusion a little funny, cute almost. Holding a hand to her lips as she giggled, she was quick to explain, "Marzena is a Munna! They, er, like to eat dreams!" Despite her explanation of the creature being vague, one could probably say that such a lazy looking Pokemon could only be having the dreams, not eating them. Plus, now that her Yawn trap was set in place, all what was left was to, well, finish him off. Knowing that Pidgeotto still had a attack to land, Catherine swayed from her original plan momentarily, "Okay Marzena, use Psybeam now!"

[Kataya]

Falkner stepped beside his Pidgeotto and placed a hand onto his thick feathers, ruffling them a little with his hand. At least this girl knew her stuff. Pidgeotto placed his beak into Falkner's hand, enjoying the gentle run under the chin he was given before Falkner looked back at Cathrine.

"Ah, Yes. Pidgeot is their final form, and we hope to reach that goal very soon, Pidgeotto and I." Falkner answered simply, letting go of his Pidgeotto and stepping backwards. Pidgeotto couldn't help the yawn that escaped him as he grew more and more tired.

"Maturity comes in all forms and ways Cathrine. I'm sure journeying with your Pokemon, you'll achieve that." Especially with all the trials that Pokemon trainer's faced. There were wins, losses, and the many shenanigans a trainer found coming their way.

"Alright Pidgeotto, quickly use your Mud-Slap!" Pidgeotto took to the air once again, impressive wingspan showing as it descended towards Marzena , and suddenly the Munna was taken back by a slap of mud that clashed against her eyes. She shook most of it off, but the remnant that was inside her eyes was there, blurring her vision just a bit.

Though, she opened her mouth and emitted a psychic beam that penetrated the Pidgeotto's very mind. Staggering around, now that it had landed, the Pidgeotto ended up on the floor, snoozing due to the Yawn that had been performed last turn. Falkner sighed.

"You don't need to fear this battle. That yawn was clever." he commented as he watched his Pidgeotto, still asleep on the floor.
--------------------------------------
A Gym Leader Appeared!
Weather: You are inside.

Battle Feed: Pidgeotto strikes Marzena with a Mud-Slap for 3 damage, but she retaliates with a Psybeam for 22 Damage! Pidgeotto fell asleep due to Yawn!

"Zzzzzzt."
Falkner's Pidgeotto |Level 15|
Health: 54% (26/48 HP)
Pidgeotto is currently Asleep!

VS.

"Awww, the Birdie fell asleep."
Catherine's Marzena |Level 17|
Health: 77% (45/58 HP)
Marzena's accuracy is currently (-1)!

[Morrigan]

Sensing the battle was starting to take a more serious tone now that Falkner was on his last Pokemon, Catherine figured it would be best to start wising up aswell. There was a time to be cute and a bit erratic but now wasn't it. This was a Gym battle and in a way, the fact she was so laid back or flustered with him was almost mocking. She was here to battle, not to stare. Taking a moment to breath and flush away her flustered cheeks, she put on a smile and witnessed a moment of Falkner with his Pidgeotto. He wasn't fond with being a Gym Leader and clearly wanted to explore the world for himself but even with how dense the girl could sometimes be, the bond between the pair was striking. Still new to the world of Pokemon in the travelling sense, all she could hope for was to also share similar moments with her own Pokemon. Turning her attention toward the somewhat lazy Munna, Catherine stared at the Pokemon with her emerald green eyes. Did she want to evolve to her final stage like this Pidgeotto did?

This silent, thoughtful moment being almost a new experience for Catherine, she perked up, listening to Falkner's words. "Maturity... Huh.." Thinking about it further, perhaps she was a bit childish for her age. She wore her hair in strange ways, dresses with frills and shoes with little bows. But that was just her style of clothing. Maybe, just maybe her personality was a bit too childish. Being on this journey was bound to wiser her up eventually but she might've just been kicked in the right direction, finally. She wanted to be a mature trainer for her Pokemon to look up to and if she wanted to be a nurse, then a role model for others! Enlightened and feeling anew all of a sudden, Catherine almost forgot just where she was. The speedier bird had landed a painful splatter of mud on Marzena, making it difficult for her to see. "Marzena! Hang in there!" She called out suddenly. But then, her plan finally started to piece together.

Damaged by the Psybeam and landing to steady itself, the avian fell into a deep slumber thanks to her previous move. Now it was time to finish this battle off. A warm smile spreading over her cheeks as Falkner reassured her again, the blonde girl nodded, "Battling is a lot of fun but I think I'm starting to realise I like the friendship side of it more. One day, I hope I can be as close as you are with your Pidgey and Pidgeotto!" Looking over the bird once more, she turned back to Marzena who was still floating as calmly as usual. "Marzena, use Dream Eater!" Not letting the idea of winning get the better of her, Catherine kept a calm mind. They had just met but Falkner was a friend to her already and she didn't want to mess up.

[The REAL Joey]

His bird still asleep grounded, Falkner gritted his teeth and growled somewhat ruefully. This was the type of roosting he was hoping to avoid in any circumstance of battle. "A blossoming friendship is always a beautiful thing." Smiling, he looked at the co-operation between the trainer and her Pokemon. "Aside from that little... Rat thing, you seem to have an excellent sense of bond ship. Why, that cheeky little monkey on your shoulder seems very fond of you." Turning his attention back to battle, he sighed as he noticed his Pidgeotto was not getting up. "Sadly, not even the immense bond I have with my own Pokemon is enough to wake up that bird." Dropping in posture, he listened out for Catherine's order. Amazingly, as opposed to hearing a weak variant of a move, the words she uttered were enough to make him stutter in a panic. "D-Dream Eater?"

Floating forward dreamily, Marzena focused her vast psychic powers and locked in to the world of dreams. For any other creature, even a fellow Psychic type, this was a difficult undertaking. But purely because of her species, the very means to do so was as simple and involuntarily as breathing. Walking into the Pidgeotto's world of dreams, Marzena opened her mouth in a yawn like state but instead began to eat at all the visions and world around her gluttonously. In the real world however, all that could be seen was a weird pink mist forming from her forehead as it linked ways with her target. Moments later, the Pidgeotto let out a coo before slumping to the floor. Despite sleeping, it had been drained mentally to its very brink. "What...?!" Echoed Falkner's voice as he tried to come to terms with the sight before him.




Gym Battle

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Falkner's Pidgeotto | ♂ | Level 15 |
Health : 0% (0/48 HP)
Status : KO'd
...

Marzena | ♀ | Level 17 |
Health : 77% (45/58 HP)
Status : Normal; Accuracy -1
What peculiar dreams

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Weather status: Normal

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Victory!

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Your Munna fought courageously and has levelled up!
It went up by 2 levels and is now Level 19!
Marzena would like to learn the move Hypnosis.
Delete a move so that she may learn it?
Marzena also gained +1 Happiness.

---

"I am truly awed... When you came in, I will admit that I felt as if I could claim victory over you but... Amazing. You were superb, inspiring, flawless. You conquered our gym without faltering." Nodding his head, he remained quiet for a few moments, before continuing on. Although losses were a common occurrence for him, he felt a bit lost at handing her the prizes simply because of how flawless her fighting ability had been. With a distinct lack of Electric types to boot. There was no way this air headed gym leader could wriggle his way out of this defeat. "Therefore, I hereby award you the following." Taking out some money from his jacket's pocket, he placed his hand forward. "Please, take this money. A grand prize for participating in the Johto gym league challenge."

Eventually settling on the emotion of happiness, he continued to present her with more items. "This is a move which i'm sure you would have loathed me using in battle. It is TM51 Roost. Use it well and your Pokemon will escape many a difficult spot through the power of healing. And finally..." Drifting back into his pocket, he took out a stylishly designed badge that gleamed with an impressive tint. "The Zephyr Badge." Smiling, he handed it to her also. "This is a sign that you have accomplished victory in this gym and also that you are a trainer of worthy merit. Where you choose to go now is up to you. I hope this badge gifts you with the wings of opportunity to soar whichever path you may fly."

With another bow, he turned on the spot partially but was caught in looking back at her. "Catherine...? I don't usually say this but... Today was refreshing. Maybe some of your courageous, zany attitude rubbed off on me but I feel that I can actually bother facing tomorrow." Turning to face her properly again, he smiled warmly, no sign of a coy or wry hint at all creeping into his emotion. "Just be sure to look after yourself. This region, no... This world isn't as innocent and naive as yourself. Be careful of hidden, lurking dangers." Turning, he hurried along to where he had been overlooking the city. Quickly healing up his Pokemon, he made certain to pick out a small scrap of paper from within his sleeve and used his calligraphy to write her a small message. Furling it up into a neat roll, he looked to his Pidgey who he had since invited back out into the open. "Pidgey, this is vital. Fly to the girl and hand her this note." Ushering the bird off, the Pidgey flapped its wings as it tried to steadily keep up with Catherine's departure.

Flying over with a ruffle of its wings, it dropped the note directly in front of her before returning to Falkner. Should she decide to look, it would appear Falkner had given her his c-gear number. In case of trouble, of course. Leaning back against the pillar along the balcony of the tower, Falkner smiled to himself as he took in the beautiful view of the violet sunset.

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Gym CLEAR!

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Congratulations!
You have bested Falkner and claimed the glory of victory!
The bird Pokemon enthusiast awards you with £1560,
TM51 Roost and the Zephyr Badge!

---

[Morrigan]

The battle was nearing it's end, so much so that Catherine could see it and even Falkner seemed to have dropped a little in confidence. Still, their friendly banter continued, his mature and comforting words really hitting the blossoming nurse deep in her heart. Despite gaining a majority of her team from a shady individual back in Unova as well as the odd trade and festival stall, she still felt that with a bit of changing in herself she could too have a positive relationship with all her Pokemon. Whether it was being more gentle to Sadaharu or more understanding of Atlas' fear of just about everything, she was determined to become a better person in general. For now, she couldn't fall too far into her thoughts as Marzena was rounding the battle off. An odd mist forming around the forehead of the Munna, she chomped away on the dreams of the slumbering Pidgeotto, ending the gym challenge rather abruptly.

Being the first Dream Eater she had experienced, Catherine was also lost in awe, large green eyes blinking at how flawless her Munna's attack was. It was only when Falkner spoke up that the realisation of winning sunk in. "N-No way--!" Her voice stammered out, tips of fingers twitching every so often. Slowly but surely, her shocked face softened into a warm smile, hands clapping together and fingers linking together. "Did I really win?" Exclaiming with a slight hint of joy, it was clear that this usually hyperactive girl was greatly holding back, to save damaging any emotions. Her lost for words also didn't help with how quiet Falkner had become but at the same time, the few words he did say really lit her face up. Looking up ever so slightly as Falkner approached to hand over the rewards, Catherine regained her subtle flush of shyness but accepted what he had to offer, nevertheless. Money was useful for her stock in medicine and food but the next strange item was something she fell intrigued on. "Roost hmm? Heehee, I guess I managed a lucky escape. Ooh! But when I get a flying type, I'll be sure to teach it the move. Then when I battle trainers and they ask how I managed to get such a cool move, I can tell them of you!"

Swaying from side to side on the spot as he delved his hand into his pocket for the final item, Catherine's emerald green eyes glinted. Holding her cupped hands forward, treating the badge like it was the most fragile and precious thing in the world. Smiling as she examined it, the girl looked incredibly happy, "T-Thank you! When I started talking, I didn't want to battle you anymore. B-But I get to keep this as a memento of our meeting, I'll always look after it and remember everything you told me!" Almost becoming a little sad as the blue haired male turned and began taking a few steps away, she faltered slightly, wanting to hug him and say goodbye but instead held back. Fumbling in her belongings and pulling out a Badge Case in order to keep it nice and safe, his voice soon called out once again, this time as a friend rather than a Gym Leader. Large eyes fluttering, she quickly looked away and let out a small giggle before turning back to him, "I'll be super careful. After all, I want to return to Violet City and talk to you loads more. B-But I guess as a Gym Leader, you would be too busy for a wandering trainer like me, hahaha..ha.."

Trailing off before abruptly shaking her head, the blonde turned on her heels, hoping to leave before getting too emotional about it. "Bye bye Falky! We'll meet again!" Taking a single step forward with a rather sleepy Marzena floating by her side, the pink pig like creature opened a single eye at the flapping of the Pidgey's approaching wings. Floating in the way of Catherine to stop the girl in her tracks, she too then noticed Falkner's little note delivered by bird, taking it and unravelling it without little thought of waiting. Written across the small piece of paper was a number, one which would surely be making it's way onto her little C-Gear gadget as quickly as possible. Now feeling completely over the moon, the girl held back her girlish squeals as she exited the platform and onto the elevator, the plan of leaving Violet and hurrying through Johto now on her mind.