Heavy Metal [F]

[latani]

Vs. Gym Leader Jasmine
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Judging by Jasmine's expression, she was just as shaken as Joey was by her Steelix's violent retaliation. Anger was something she'd learned was just a part of her Steelix, but to have acted so harshly against a challenger... it worried her. "Yes, but... oh..." she began, glancing anxiously at her partner. Perhaps the steel snake had simply been picking up on her concern for her friend at the lighthouse and pinned blame on the biker, shifting it to include his Pokémon as well. "I'm still so sorry. It might be my fault, really, that she's like this today. I'm just..." Jasmine trailed off, biting her lip. No, there was no need to draw Joey into personal matters, not after what had just happened.

Shaking her head, she tried to focus on the battle, soft brown eyes widening with curiosity as Chugga made his appearance. A Weezing? Poison-type moves had no effect on her precious Steel-types, but perhaps there was something more at play here. And she'd learned not to underestimate this particularly wily trainer, how adaptable he was. "Steelix, take it easy okay?" Jasmine murmured, ignoring the sharp look from her Pokémon. "Looks like Earthquake is out if it's floating... alright. Steelix, ready a Rock Slide." The words had barely left her mouth when Chugga preempted her, Joey's Weezing expanding in size with a deep breath.

Puffs of smoke had alarm bells going off in her head, Jasmine reaching a hand out in shock. She was late, far too late, to prevent the ensuing Flamethrower that blistered through the air towards Steelix. Narrowing her eyes, Steelix didn't flinch as the attack struck and enveloped her upper body in a torrent of fire. Behind her, Jasmine had thrown an arm up to protect against the searing heat, dropping it when all sound ceased. "Steelix?" she asked, heart thumping nervously in her chest as she stared at her partner. A moment passed before the great steel leviathan groaned and toppled to the ground, the tremor from her impact rattling the entire gym.

Gym Leader Battle

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Jasmine's Steelix | ♀ | Level 46 |
Health: 0% (0/139 HP)
Status: ...; Fainted!

VS

Joey's Chugga | ♂ | Level 40 |
Health: 87% (100/114 HP)
Status: Melt ya for scrap metal!; Normal
Chugga was hurt by Stealth Rock.
Chugga used a successful Flamethrower! Critical hit!

---

Chugga fought well and gained +2300 EXP!


Slash lost -1 Happiness for fainting...

---

Eyes closed, Jasmine swayed on her feet, as if fighting the desire to cry. "Oh Steelix," the girl breathed, recalling the fainted leviathan. Her instincts had been right that Chugga was more than he appeared, a simple Poison-type. To have taken out her Steelix in one attack, however... such power. "You are full of surprises, aren't you?" she said to Joey, a faint smile on her face as she lifted another Poké Ball in her hand. Her last Pokémon, likely to face a similar fate as the other two despite having been spared from Voltek's power. But she wasn't backing out now, and with a deft toss, Jasmine sent out the Magneton from before. "I wonder what you'll use next?"

---

Jasmine sends out her Magneton (Level 42) again!
Will you switch Pokémon?

[The REAL Joey]

Even though he had continued on this battle at the behest of his Pokemon, Joey was all too agitated in wanting to make a swift exit to heal up his trusty partner. Knowing full well this Steelix was a foe not to be taken lightly and the fact Chugga boasted more defensive capability than offensive it was going to be one he'd have to register in for the long haul. Knowing Chugga could use his staunch defences to hopefully tire out the aggravated foe, what would unfold next would shock even him. "Alright Chugga, don't get too cocky." Hoping his warning would give his Pokemon some guidance, he would be just as blown away as Jasmine was when the puffball expanded in size before letting out a sweltering stream of fire which soon engulfed the steel armoured foe from tip to tail. "WOAH! I don't think he's ever gone as hard as that!" Cried out Joey. Even Voltek, a Pokemon which had grown up alongside Chugga was taken aback. "For him to harbour that sort of power... I always had seen him as a more passive creature. He must be concerned for Slash too." Noticing how much he had shrunk in size from expelling the fierce flames against the Steelix, Joey was taken aback even further when the Steelix appeared to bite the dust.

Crashing to the floor and sending out an incredible tremor that had both Joey and Voltek striving to retain their balance. In one fell swoop, he had managed to have taken out what Joey had been considering would be their toughest challenge yet. Returning to his usual size, the double headed creature merely bubbled away as it levitated proudly over its achievement. "Brah. Come on. What was that?" "TOO EASY!" As Jasmine muttered to herself upon recalling her Pokemon, Joey engaged in celebration of his own. "Duuuuuuuuuuuude. You took out her Steelix like it was nothin'! When Slash recovers and well tell him of this, I bet he won't be able to believe his ears." Grasping onto his stomach with one side, Voltek used his free hand to cheer on his friend's accomplishment. "Chugga, have you been holding back all these years?" Floating around enough to be able to see Voltek out of the corner of his eye, Chugga responded with some banter. "Ain't nothing different, brah. Just lined up the shot and went with it." "BEATDOWN!" As their conversation went on, Joey cleared his throat as he took note of Jasmine ready to continue on despite her second loss, even commenting on his string of surprises. Cocking a grin, he nodded his head and laughed. "Haha, guess ya could say that about me. A lot of the time it's really just Lady Luck lookin' over me. That and i've been fortunate enough to have come across some tenacious friends."

As the last Pokeball she had summoned forth a Pokemon Joe and Voltek were all too familiar with, Chugga bubbled away, somewhat rudely writing off its chances. "A buncha magnets. Brah. I can do this." "DO IT REAL GOOD!" Sensing his Pokemon's enthusiasm, Joey nodded. "If you wanna take it, Chug, it's all yours." Cut off immediately as a massive arm was raised in front of him, it seemed as if there was one Pokemon who would raise an objection. "No. This is my fight to finish." Even in such a state with his injuries from the rounds prior, it seemed as if the indomitable yeti like creature wished to go on. "Volt?! You've been hit up pretty bad..." Unsure if that was wise, Voltek growled as he let sparks fly off his body to show he wasn't completely done. "Chugga has done well to have taken down such a colossal foe. I may have bested the Skarmory but I wish to see through what I missed earlier. I still have more to prove." Sizing up his Pokemon, Joey eventually nodded his head and grinned wildly. "Heh. Y'know what? Why the hell not. I can relate I guess. Alright then, you head in and let's see to it this is done. For Slash's sake." Nodding his head, Voltek agreed. "For Slash." Floating around Chugga's bubbling away appeared to be a little crestfallen but he paid it no heed. Floating over, he spoke out, brushing aside the fact he wanted to continue on. "Brah, no skin off my nose." "GIVE 'EM HELL!" Standing adjacent to Joey, the stage was set for Voltek to enter in.

Knowing full well he would be hurt by the hazardous rocks placed around their entrance, the large yeti let out a battle cry as he sparked up, ready to overcome the pain he would have to endure. "RARRRRRRRRRRGH!" Punching his fists together, he hobbled over, his injuries still quite painful. "Nowhere to run this time." Voltek called out over to the Magneton as he limbered up, trying not to let the stealth rock's pain set in. "Too bad I can't show off my other Pokemon. Voltek is all too set on taking part in this." Cracking his knuckles before siding his neck back and forth, Joey called out, working in synergy with his Electivire's hope he would order such a move. "Let loose another Earthquake!"

OOC: Voltek is entered and uses Earthquake.

[latani]

Vs. Gym Leader Jasmine
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While expressions were difficult on a faceless bunch of magnets, Magneton managed to look deeply offended by what Chugga spouted about it. It whirled the magnets attached to its side angrily, sparks flying with the movement until a gentle hand on its back stopped it. "Don't worry about what they say. You're perfect to me," Jasmine whispered, flashing a quick smile at her Magneton before stepping back. The pair watched Joey's Pokémon argue for who would be stepping up to battle, almost succeeding in making Jasmine laugh. She had to be serious to beat this challenger, even with her ace down and her Magneton's Sturdy already rendered useless.

"Oh... are you sure? He seemed quite hurt from the last battle," Jasmine spoke softly, wearing a concerned frown for Voltek as the Electivire stepped forwards, wincing when the sharp rocks battered him further. Though he seemed quite boastful and somewhat lively, it was easy enough to see Voltek was still pained from his earlier rough attacks on her Skarmory. Jasmine closed her eyes and took a slow, calming breath, already well aware of what Voltek's presence on the field meant. And there was little either her or Magneton could to do stop it now that Skarmory was out of the picture.

Magneton whirled its magnets nervously as Joey's Electivire raised his arms up high and slammed them down hard on the ground, the resulting tremor growing in strength until the entire gym was shaking from the force. The floor rose up in a jagged line right for Magneton, the terrible sound of crushed metal filling the air as the Steel-type rose up briefly in the air before falling to the ground with a loud, echoing clang. It took a few moments for the aftershocks of the Earthquake to subside entirely, but the outcome was quite clear simply by the crestfallen look on Jasmine's face; Magneton was down for the count.

Gym Leader Battle

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Jasmine's Magneton | Level 42 |
Health: 0% (0/107 HP)
Status: ...; Fainted!

VS

Joey's Voltek | ♂ | Level 38 |
Health: 37% (43/116 HP)
Status: You're grounded!; Normal
Voltek was hurt by Stealth Rock.
Voltek used a successful Earthquake!

---

Voltek fought well and gained +2100 EXP!

---

Recalling her Magneton, Jasmine looked down at the glossy surface of the Heavy Ball in silence, needing a minute before she could work up the ability to speak. "Steel types may be tough, inflexible... but even they have a breaking point," Jasmine said, her voice so soft it was almost inaudible. "Excuse me a moment." The girl turned round, hair swaying as she walked towards the back of the gym, returning with a few things clutched in her arms. Somber eyes met Joey's, but there was a faint smile on her face, one that said she didn't begrudge him the victory.

"Your winnings, and the badge too," she said as she handed them over, expression fond as she ran a finger on the edge of the shiny TM disc. "Consider this Iron Tail a gift from me. Even if you bear ill will against it after... what happened..." Dropping her gaze, almost if shamed by the admission, she seemed likely to speak no further when a distraction in the form of a young girl burst into the gym. Out of breath, the kid dashed right by Joey and his Pokémon, whispering frantically in Jasmine's ear when the leader leaned down to ask what was wrong.

Face paling as the girl talked, Jasmine rose up suddenly, hands fluttering anxiously over her heart. Dismissing the girl with a murmured thanks, Jasmine swept by Joey with nary a glance, almost at the doors before recalling her rudeness. "I'm sorry I can't be more formal... Amphy needs me at the Lighthouse," she said in a voice that shook with very real fear, pushing open the doors and escaping outside.

---

For defeating Jasmine, Joey has earned the Mineral Badge!
You can now use the move Dive outside of battle.


Joey was also presented with TM23 Iron Tail!

Earned £5,200 in prize money!

[The REAL Joey]

Wincing with his Pokemon at the hazardous rocks littered about the place, he wondered if this was for the best. Voltek was a wild battler, he had calmed in some recent memory from his younger days but as wild as he was, there was no denying he was low on gas. "Hang in there!" He mumbled worriedly under his breath. Teetering precariously close to being knocked out, he hoped the Magneton didn't have any sort of hidden tricks up it could call upon. However, for all his worries, it seemed Voltek wouldn't let a few grazes ruin his shot at victory. Raising his mighty fists, he bought them crashing down like a hammer, relentlessly pounding at the ground which in turn created a series of tremors. Given Chugga could float, he minded not a bit, Joey on the other hand started to lose his balance again. "Wooooah! He's goin' for it!" Moments later, it appeared the indomitable Electivire had struck at an exploit in the ground and it appeared a wave of the flooring had come trailing upwards, slamming into Jasmine's Pokemon with an incredible force. Sparks flying off the steel Pokemon, it was moments later that it seemed to lose its ability to magnetise itself away from the ground, instead falling down with a clattering defeat. Finally stopping his assault, Voltek raised himself up straight as he surveyed his opponent. "...And with that, the battle is concluded." He growled to himself.

Understanding her Pokemon to have lost, Joey watched as she recalled it in the heavy ball. At this point, he would usually be bursting out of his chest with excitement over yet another victory, another step closer to pursuing his shot at the championship. But this victory, it felt very much a sombre one. Even Jasmine herself seemed to reflect this. Commenting on the strengths and weaknesses of her Steel Pokemon, Joey listened calmly before responding matter of factly. "Aye, that they do... If it's any consolation, it's a higher breaking post than most others." Unable to hear the last bit she said, he raised an eyebrow quizzically as she turned around and let out an audible sound of understanding as he noticed all the stuff in her arms. He had somewhat forgotten this was a gym battle and with gym battles came worthwhile rewards for being able to overcome the challenge. It's just in this case, it came at something of a price. His eyes meeting with her own, he gave her a cheeky patented grin and listened to what she had to say. "Ahhh good ol' winnings. I'll be sure to put this to good use. Having trawled all the way from Ecruteak to here, i'm kinda low on funds. Thanks." Also handing him the gym's badge, he had a tired grin flash over his face. It had been a long journey, a tough battle and a good friend had sacrificed a lot today to earn them this. Taking the pin, he held it up into the light and examined it. "So this is your badge, eh? Mineral Badge... It's got a simple yet bold design to it. I'll be sure to cherish this with the rest." Propping up his jacket lapel, he began to fasten it alongside the four other badges he had accumulated.

"Haha, there. Five badges. Just another three and I finally get my chance to... Oh. Aim to be champion." Almost letting slip it would be to clear his name after getting diplomatic immunity, he laughed away his near misstep. Having yet another item pressed into his possession, he knew this was none other than a TM. The gym's specialist move no doubt and one he would be all too familiar with. Confirming with him what it was exactly, he took it before examining it in his grasp. "Iron Tail, eh? Don't worry... What happened here today, it's not your fault. It's not ya Steelix's fault either. We took a massive risk and while it paid off, Slash is gonna be takin' some time to recover." Pocketing it away, he could think of one or two Pokemon which would benefit from the move. "No ill will here." About to reassure her further, Joey nonchalantly raised an eyebrow as he sensed the doors opening up behind him. Hearing the sound of footsteps and breathless perspirations, it sounded like a young girl. Turning his head as he noticed the child run past him, she went over to Jasmine and seemed to whisper something. Not one to eavesdrop on private matters, he only picked up on certain snippets. What was heard however, confused even him. "Amphy... Worse... Very ill..." Whatever it was that had been said, was enough to send Jasmine into a panic stricken worry. Watching as she strode past, he turned to face her.

Understanding that this friend she had hinted at throughout the battle was likely the one she spoke of, Joey nodded with understanding in his demeanour. "Go. They need you." Seeing her whisk off, Joe let out a sigh a he scratched the back of his neck. "Damn... Gonna have to make sure the next gym battle doesn't go as chaotically as that." Watching as Chugga and Voltek moved over to his position, Joey turned to look over his shoulder as he heard the sound of what can only be described as spurs clicking and the door exiting. Only catching the tail end of the person, it seemed there had been a spectator in this fight. One he had not known about. "What the...?! I could've sworn it was just me and Jasmine. For them to have remained hidden throughout all that... That's a bit unsettlin'. Huh. Hope they enjoyed the show." Shaking his head, it suddenly dawned on him he should be taking a leaf out of Jasmine's book. "SHOOT! We need to go and get Slash to the Pokemon Centre! C'mon!" Returning all his Pokemon, he took a swift exit himself, disappearing out of the gym.

- Fin -