Good For What Ails You (Hide & Seek) [F]

[The REAL Joey]

It had been an exhilarating trip back from Cianwood. Getting there, the biker thief had made a perilous swim across the ocean divide. The way back however was flying through the clouds on the back of a Charizard. Touching down at the harbour itself, Joey recalled his Pokemon back and pumped his fist into the air passionately. "Awwww yeah! Nothin' beats that. NOTHING. Well... Maybe a good ol' bike ride but eh. Beats everything else!" Pocketing away his Pokeball, Joey pondered his next move. Cianwood was but a mere island situated within Johto's confines. Aside from the expansive Safari Zone, there was nothing else to explore. It meant he would have to go East and travel in land Johto. Considering he had taken but one exit of Ecruteak, he had at least mapped out his next step. "Alright. Game plan. Make my way, heh, FLY my way back to Ecruteak and then travel the opposite direction. If what my mentor always mouthed on about that means Mahogany must be in that direction." Furrowing his brow, he tried recalling what else he mentioned. "Home of the ninja... Hm."

Considering he had been tutored in such ways by his aged mentor back in Fuschia, he wondered what sort of adventures there were to be had in such a town. As he contemplated to himself, he couldn't help but find his eyes wander towards an impressive landmark. Whistling out loud to himself, Joey realised it was none other than the tower Jasmine had foretold him about. "So this is Glitter Lighthouse, eh? I seem to recall Jasmine mentioning she'd be headin' off that to be with her friend." Pulling a thoughtful look, he eased into a more natural grinning expression. "Guess I got some time to kill. Those last two badges ain't goin' anywhere." Making his way to the lighthouse, he stepped in and found himself in the middle of a commotion. "G'damn. What the hell is up with this lot?" Raising a furtive eyebrow, he pushed past and ascended up a pair of stairs to which there was even more of the apprehensive crowd. Unable to slip past, Joey grunted to out loud. "What the hell's up here?" Wondering if Jasmine's concerns about her friend had fallen ill had caused everyone to be up in arms, he would find out sooner or later. Right now he was going to ascend to the top and get to the bottom of this.

- Joey enters 1F -

[Tiki]

As Joey entered the first floor of the lighthouse, the building was dimly lit by weak electricity charging the light bulbs. In addition, there were some candles here and there as an emergency lighting, but other than these, the building was otherwise dark. The dim lighting cast shadows on every objects in the first floor.

The first floor appeared to be a lobby and a casual resting place, as there were many crates and boxes of supplies, perhaps for the lighthouse as an emergency or storage. Visible cans of food and miscellaneous items like wires, cords, and other utility supplies. There were a few tables, chairs, and couches in the room, some look worn from being sat on. Two particular couches were set facing each other. On top of them was a man in sailor outfit laying on one, and a Poliwhirl laying on the other.

When the man noticed that Joey had opened up a door, the man got up and yelled loudly, "Hey you--" he looked at Joey through the dim light, making sure that it's a human at first. "Aww, drats. I thought you were a sailor telling me that the sea is safe to sail again. Ever since the lighthouse had been going bad, I had been stranded on this city. It's been too long in the city that Olivine bores me to death. If you're a trainer, how about help a fellow out and ease my boredom? I even read everything they have in that bookcase." The man spoke, with a hint of pleading to end his boredom. He pointed at a bookcase resting near the wall, opposite to the staircase. Inside the bookcase were various reading material ranging from decades old news to some recent ones, some literature and some nonfiction, and even some children's storybooks. "My name is Huey. In fact, I'm not the only one here. The rest of my crew got some part time job because it had been months since the lighthouse was being weird. They thought I could be the one to keep an eye out while they gather some funds to restock the ship when it's ready. Me thinks they're just buying rum. I would glad to be aboard a ship again."

"Poli, poli!" The Poliwhirl also got up, agreeing happily. Then, the water Pokemon readied itself for a battle coming up

"Also, there's some wild Pokemon up there in the lighthouse. I wouldn't venture if I were you. It's peaceful down here because a lot of people come by, like delivery and tourists. But I heard that there's wild Pokemon up there because second floor have some problems..." Huey added, muttering a lot as he was bored. There was no doubt that he probably talked to every tourists possible who came by here.

---

Sailor Huey sent out his (Level 34) Poliwhirl!

OOC: I have no idea what I just did but I hope the set up make sense lolol

[The REAL Joey]

No sooner than he had arrived on the scene, it appeared one of the people who had taken up part of the first floor pegged Joey out and came over to him. Noticing him to be of sailor garb, he wondered why a man of the sea would be stuck in this lighthouse. Deciding not to cut in and let this sailor man spill his side of the story on this whole affair, Joey cracked his neck from side to side as it came to his turn to speak and having weighed up the man's words. "Stranded, huh? Hmm... This lighthouse ain't workin' or somethin'? Sounds like a problem. Although, there's meant to be tons of stuff to do here in Olivine. You headed down to the cafe?" Recalling what Jasmine had advised him when he inquired about sights to see in Olivine, he realised he had made a glaring omission of his own by not visiting the cafe. Perhaps before he progressed on with his journey he'd make a quick pit stop there for a bite to eat and a battle to be had. "As fer a battle though... I'm game to help out." Sporting his cocky grin, he had already grabbed a Pokeball from his belt holster and began tossing it up and down in his hand.

It was clear this sailor was so bored out of his wits it wasn't as if Joey could simply ignore him and pass by him. Sometimes a little confrontation was for the best. However, as the sailor spoke some more, Joey's eyes winced somewhat as he mentioned how he had read everything in the bookcase adjacent to them. "Wh-wha?! Dude, that's a lot of reading. Just how long have you been landed here?!" Whatever the problem was with this lighthouse, it was clear it had been going on for quite sometime. Even before he had set foot in the city. As the man properly introduced himself, Joey let out a laugh at what he thought his ship mates were up to. "Name's Joey. And in all honesty, think if I had the chance i'd be sneakin' in a bit of rum. You might very well be onto something with that." Noting the Poliwhirl that chipped in beside Huey, Joey realised this was going to be his Pokemon for the fight. Before Joey could probably initiate with the fight, he listened as the sailor had some more to say.

Considering how much Joey could talk, Huey was giving him a run for his money. "Wild Pokemon? In this building? Damn. Maybe that's what is causing the problem. Like a wild Raticate started chewing up the wires to power the lighthouse." Unaware that the lighthouse was actually powered by a Pokemon and not a machine, it would be something he would ultimately find out. "Okay, Dante! You're up!" Appearing out of the Pokeball with a shadowy expulsion, the ghostly Pokemon eventually reappeared out of the darkness before Joey and flashed the Poliwhirl a cocksure toothy grin. "Fire up a Shadow Ball!" Letting out a cackle, the Pokemon nimbly tickled its fingers as it began to position itself to fire off the shadowed orb.

[Morrigan]

vs Sailor Huey
__________________________________

Accepting his offer to battle, Huey wore a large grin and cracked his fingers. It had been some time since he had met with a fellow trainer after being stranded on Olivine City. He was usually left with the boring jobs, hence why his fellow sailors were likely having a rowdy time working in the battle cafe close by, whilst he was left behind to keep an ear out for any information regarding the lighthouse. Still, luck was on his side, as finally a bit of entertainment had come his way. Shrugging off Joey's words to try and hide the truth, Huey merely shrugged his large shoulders. "Nah. I am here day in, day out, in hopes that the lighthouse will get fixed. Maybe I'll show my face at the cafe at some point, but otherwise, I'll just let 'em have some fun." Although boring, this job was far more relaxing. Although he hadn't expected to read through as much as he had, making his stay at the lighthouse a bit more tedious. "Hah hah! I'm glad you accepted! It's been a while since we've had a good scrap!"

Looking across to Joey and noting that he appeared to be a rough type, Huey could tell that his opponent was going to be a hard one to defeat. But with his trusty Poliwhirl by his side, he knew that he would win. "Haha! Maybe after this I'll sneak out for a drink then. Me and the rest of the crew have been here for over a month. I figure something is going on at the top of the lighthouse." Explaining further that there were wild Pokemon ahead, Huey smiled awkwardly and rubbed the back of his head. He had been bored, so why didn't he simply travel upstairs to find out the problem? Well that was because the next floor was said to have a certain type of Pokemon that he was terrified of. Ghosts. "Tsk. Pesky Raticate. I'm sure they are a problem but I dont think they are the problem here. See, the Lighthouse is home to a Pokemon, an Ampharos, I think. I hear the local Gym Leader here takes care of it but lately, something seems amiss. She is such a pretty girl but she always has this worried expression."

Immediately coming to a halt as he openly admitted to finding a girl pretty, he shrugged off his comment and instead focused on his opponent... Immediately turning as white as a sheet. "I-Is tha-at a-a... G-Gengaaaar?!" Feeling his whole body shudder in fear, the man's bottom lip quivered as his arms became covered in goosebumps. "I-It's a-a g-gho-ost r-right?! I-I a-ain't afrai-aid of n-no g-ghost's!!" Holding out his arms, Dante formed a ball of cracking dark energy, which he threw mercilessly directly at the Poliwhirl. The orb crashed directly into the stomach of the water type, sending it flying backwards and landing by Huey's feet. Eyes swirling around helplessly, after that one attack, Huey was down and out! Gob smacked and humiliated in more ways than one, he hesitantly withdrew his team member and looked towards Joe. "A-Ahh! You were much stronger than I thought... Maybe you can figure out the secret of the Lighthouse. W-Well, BYEEE!" Dashing off but not completely leaving until he handed Joey some victory money, Huey left the tower in order to get a well earned drink.

---

Poliwhirl: | Level 34 |
Health: 0% (0/98 HP)
Status: Normal
...

VS

Dante: | Level 37 | Item: Choice Specs
Health: 100% (102/102 HP)
Status: Normal
Dante used Shadow Ball!

---

Congratulations!
Joey has defeated Sailor Huey!



Dante gained 1700 experience!


Metyrant gained 1700 experience due to holding Experience Share!

------


Sailor Huey gives Joey £640 for his victory! (Updated)
Joey can now progress to the next floor!

[The REAL Joey]

Cracking his knuckles, this cafe kept cropping up. "Y'know, I ain't the type who digs tea and scones but the more I hear about this cafe, the more enticing it becomes. From what i'm hearin' it does battles as well, eh? Hmm... Maybe i'll pay your mates a visit." At this point, the deal was sealed. He'd head down to the cafe along the sea front and partake in a battle. Maybe even a nibble. This trainer lark was hungry business. Either way, Huey appeared pleased with the acceptance of his challenge. "Hahaha! I don't the MEANIN' of the word bored lately. If ain't been bare knuckle gym fights, it's been surfing out to sea and being marooned by a group of rampagin' Gyarados. Oh and then there's the flying part." Punching a fist into his open hand, Joey closed his eyes as he swayed side to side. That experience of flying on his partner's wings through the sky was still fresh in his memory. "I don't mean the old sea farin' method of transport but man... That was some thrill." Trailing off, he heard about Huey's plans after this battle. "Heh! Goin' for a little swig are we? Well, if we cross paths again you best have saved me some rum, y'hear?!" As the conversation fell back to the issue of the lighthouse, Joey ran his fingers over his stubbly chin.

"Hmm... Sounds like a real problem if ships can't get out to sail. I mean, the Nurse in the Pokemon Centre here advised not to go out at night so I took the journey during daylight. Can imagine there's just too much risk at night for you ship sailors." However, it was what Huey mentioned next that made the penny drop for Joey. "Huuuuuh?! Back up! You mentioned a gym leader. That's Jasmine. I fought her when I first arrived here... And if she's lookin' after an Ampharos...!!!" Realising after all this time that this special friend of hers may very well be the Electric type Pokemon, Joey tensed his eyes. If he could help her out, he'd be happy to and hopefully show there were no hard feelings after the little mishap involving Slash. "Well that settles it. I'm gonna go an-WHAAAA?!" Noticing the sailor's sudden shift in demeanour, Joey looked around in a panic as his panic stricken expression was very contagious. Eventually making heads and tails of what Huey was spluttering about, his eyes fell to Dante. "Errrr... Yeah. That's Dante. My Gengar. There a problem?" Mentioning he wasn't afraid of no ghosts, Joey rolled his eyes and let out a cheeky smirk whilst shrugging nonchalantly. "Sure, whatever you say."

Whether it was because Huey had become so afraid but when Dante lobbed the shadowy orb towards the Poliwhirl, it appeared to reap absolute havoc as the Pokemon was forced backwards and ultimately submitted. "Woah! Look at you Dante!" Letting out a breath of air at his fingers as if to mimic a smoking gun, Dante cackled to himself. "Heh heh heh. What can I say? He didn't stand a ghost of a chance! HAH!" Gripping onto his sides as he was beside himself in a fit of laughter, Joey shifted to Huey who went barging out, bidding him farewell and some victory money. "Sheesh, he sure was... Spooked." "Heh heh heh! Ghoul one!" Erupting in laughter between them, it appeared a contest of who could get the most ghost puns in was starting to unveil itself. Floating up and giving Joey a fist bump, the thief turned his head to the stairs. "Let's kick this up a notch. I want to try and see if there's somethin' we can help with." Nodding, Dante floated after Joey as they ascended up to the next floor.

- Joey and Dante ascend to 2nd Floor -

[Tiki]

Going up the stairs with Dante, Joey could see in the second floor that has some pipes and mechanical gears and machines working. Besides the whirring and grinding of machines, other voices of Pokemon could definitely be heard. While most of them were probably hiding as the sound of Joey's footsteps up the stairs alert them of his presence, they were still breathing softly and flicking their tail or whatever. As Joey walked from one end of the floor to the other end, he could see a trainer rubbing the cheek of a Fearow, giving the bird some cheerful, physical encouragement. That, or the Fearow just like being rubbed in the chin.

Right as they were about to challenge a battle though, out from the ground was a rapidly rolling Voltorb, coming out of hiding and began rolling on the empty floor, in a circle. The electric type rolled casually in a perfect circle. Being a spherical Pokemon itself, it rolled in its bodily revolution to form another circle. With so much circles going on, this situation looked like the Voltorb was trying to delay Joey by going in literal circles and catching his attention, perhaps even to battle him.

Between a Voltorb and a trainer's Fearow, which would Joey pick?

---

A (level 28) Voltorb is rolling in a circle trying to catch Joey's attention!


Birdkeeper Denise and her (Level 35) Fearow is standing in front of the stairs and rubbing Fearow like in Pokemon amie

OOC:
well you just left me a cliffhanger that you went up the stairs and I have no clue if you're gonna barge up the stairs and fight a trainer or fight a wild pokemon

so I just rolled both and you pick one. if you pick a wild pokemon, the next mod can have the trainer distracted/leaving and roll another one if you're going up.

also i have no idea what a lighthouse interior look like or the one from johto, so correct me if my description is wrong.

[The REAL Joey]

"Just how many floors does this lighthouse even have?!" Letting out something of a weary remark, it seemed as if the endless staircase had finally let them onto the second floor. Taking a quick view around, it seemed the place was in as much chaos as before with worried looking trainers and Pokemon fleeting about. To his dismay was the fact that there appeared to be yet another floor to ascend. Roughing the stubble on his chin with his hand, Joey questioned his next move. About to take a step to try and talk with one of the trainers, Joey noticed the Voltorb which appeared to be getting rather agitated as it began rolling around. Considering his warehouse was filled to the brim with Voltorb traps, he knew how problematic they could be. "Yo Dante, sidetrack this crazy Voltorb will ya? Last thing I want is this exploding on us while we're tryin' to get this problem sorted." Letting out a small cackle, Dante submerged himself with the floor so that only his head remained above the ground so he could finish his acknowledgement. "Sure, sure. I'll distract him. Even if he does explode not like it's gonna have any effect on me. Bein' dead an' all. Alrighty, welcome to spooksville. Population: Voltorb."

Fully entering the ground and becoming a lengthy shadow that crept its way over, Joey laughed once before he walked over to Denise, a hand on a Pokemon ready to summon. He knew what trainers were like. "Damn, that's one impressive Fearow. Fancy havin' a battle?" Deciding to nip in the bud the fact they would likely try and engage him with a fight, Joey was keen to get the show moving. If Jasmine and her friend were in trouble, he was sure to be there. "As close as yer bond is, I wonder if you can go toe to toe with a Pokemon of mine." Tossing forward the ball as he readily headed on with the fight, none other than Voltek appeared. Remaining stoic as he loomed over towards Denise and her Pokemon, the Electivire grunted as Joey ordered a move. "Wild Charge! Let's see the strength of their bond!" Hoping that this bird trainer would be game for a fight, he pushed aside any conscience he had eating at him if she would have preferred to just engage in a bit of back and forth talking.

OOC: Generally speaking it could either be a wild or trainer encounter but I actually really like this set up. Gives a bit of choice and variation to the standard formula. Nice one! I'll add that to the guide.

[latani]

Vs. Birdkeeper Denise
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Denise glanced over warily at the whirling Voltorb, having trained in the lighthouse long enough to know how volatile they were. It could cause some serious damage if provoked enough, not only to her and Fearow, but to the lighthouse itself. She had no idea why the Voltorb was acting up in the first place, and quickly returned to giving her bird affectionate pats, oblivious to Dante's stealthy approach from the shadows. Voltorb, still whirling about, came to a sudden halt as it passed over the hidden Gengar and was caught by one shadowy hand that emerged out of the floor. Effectively captured, Voltorb was at Dante's mercy, the Gengar briefly contemplating simply lobbing it away for a laugh, but experience with Joey's warehouse traps spoke volumes about being careful with them.

Cackling anyways, Dante ferried off the still motionless Voltorb and ferried it over to a corner laden with pipes and wires, all but chucking it into the mess before beating a hasty retreat to Joey as a shadow once more. By the time he returned, Denise and her Fearow had stepped away from the stairs, the birdkeeper grinning fiercely at his request for a battle. "We're always good for a battle, right Fearow? We'll give you a good fight!" she stated, pride radiating out of every inch of her as she gazed at her well-groomed Fearow. Shuffling forwards, the bird lifted his long neck to inspect Joey with a cool, keen gaze, sensing a decent challenge was at wing. When Voltek appeared, however, Fearow's eyes sharpened into near slits as he took in the bold yellow colouring of the yeti's fur and realized what he was up against.

"Whoooa, that's one big Pokémon..." Denise murmured as she craned her head to gaze up at Voltek, moving away to give the two Pokémon room to battle. Unfamiliar with the move Joey called out, the birdkeeper merely wore a look of confusion that quickly morphed into shock as electricity shrouded Voltek's body, the Electivire lunging across the distance separating him and Fearow. Wings thrown wide, Fearow couldn't tamp down a terrified caw as Voltek bore down on him, unfortunately too slow in his attempt to elude his foe. Taking the brunt of the attack hard, Fearow hit the ground hard and blacked out almost immediately, feathers blackened in places from the electrified hit.

Trainer Battle

---

Denise's Fearow | Level 35 |
Health: 0% (0/101 HP)
Status: ...; Fainted!

VS

Joey's Voltek | Level 40 |
Health: 74% (91/122 HP)
Status: Maximum voltage!; Normal
Voltek used a successful Wild Charge!
Voltek was hurt by recoil!

---

Voltek destroyed Fearow fought well and gained +875 Exp!


Metyrant gleaned from the battle and gained +875 Exp!
Metyrant grew to Level 30! (227/2791)

---

Grimacing, Denise returned her slightly charred partner and blew out an admiring whistle. "That's some seriously powerful Pokémon you're packing, stranger. I bet you can handle the upper floors of the lighthouse no problem. Especially the third floor... there's some weirdo in a black outfit trying to bar people from getting up to the top." Mouth pursed in a frown as she spoke, Denise fished out some money and handed it over, waving in farewell as she crossed the room to make her way down to the lower level of the lighthouse.

---

Birdkeeper Denise gifts Joey with £576 for winning!
You may now proceed to the next floor.

[The REAL Joey]

Noticing Dante had safely taken care of the rogue Voltorb waltzing around, Joey's demeanour became visibly at ease. Last thing that they needed was one of those exploding off and causing a ruckus. There was going to be enough sparks flying between their two Pokemon. Watching as Dante returned to him and became one with his shadow to keep in a mode of stealth, Joey turned his attention back on to Denise and her Fearow. With Voltek out and ready to battle, it meant things were proceeding along at quite a face. Thankfully, from Denise's reaction, it seemed Joey had not been too crass in asking for a battle. "Haha! That's what I like to hear. Dunno what i'd do without a good scrap to keep me busy." Looking around the floor, Joey pondered over why there appeared to be so many bird keepers in the tower. "Yo, is this place ideal for Flying types? I guess it's pretty high up which allows as much aerial practice as possible but I don't think i've seen so many bird tamers in one place." Letting out a laugh, he recalled back to a certain route not too far from Fuschia City. "Used to be a real hardcore followin' of bird keepers back in Kanto." Not that he minded. It was almost nostalgic to be in with so many familiar trainer types. With the battle choice now made clear to Denise, Joey picked up on her surprise at the sight of Voltek. "Heh. Volt usually inspires that kinda reaction. He's a gentle giant though, no worries." Taking in the reaction from the Fearow too, Joey was surprised his Pokemon were now starting to garnish such a feeling upon their entrance. To him, they were still the Pokemon he had raised up from their base evolutionary forms.

Nevertheless, as the battle continued under way with Voltek charging himself up and en-cloaking himself with an electrical field it was looking all too uncertain with Denise's chances. Having had her Pokemon out in the open to begin with meant Joey had something of an advantage in knowing what sort of moves to in with. It was a little harsh but in this game of battling, it all meant on exploiting whatever areas you could in order to gain the edge. As the collision created a harsh impact for the Fearow, even sending Voltek backwards with recoil, Joey watched as the Pokemon fainted. Despite the sheer flurry of sparks flying, he failed to flinch, instead standing his ground. At this point Voltek's signature move was something he had grown accustomed to. Watching as Denise tended to her knocked out avian, he returned Voltek, congratulating him on a good job before listening to what else Denise had to say as her whistle stole back his attention. "Hahaha, thanks for the compliment. We train pretty hard so our results usually reflect the sorta output we give. Hopefully your Fearow ain't too bruised from that. It did good standing its ground takin' that charge head on." Before he could talk much further, a surprising tidbit earnt Joey's concern. "You what? Someone in a black outfit? Hmmm... I suppose me and the group can check it out. Sounds pretty suspect." His gut instinct already kicking in, Joey had good reason to believe that person in a black outfit was potentially affiliated with Team Rocket. The only issue was why would they be blocking off people. Storming his way up the stairs, he hurried along in order to confirm Denise's heads up.

- Joey ascends to 3rd floor -

[latani]

Glitter Lighthouse - Floor 3
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

True to Denise's word, there was a shady someone skulking about in a strikingly familiar uniform. Pink hair cut in a short bob, face screwed up in an annoyed scowl, this particular grunt looked less than pleased to be stuck in the lighthouse. Blowing a bubble from the gum gnashed between her teeth, the grunt strode back in forth in front of the entrance to the stairwell that led to the fourth floor. "Of course I got stuck in this claustrophobic old tube.. can't even get in on the fun out at the lake. Grr. At least that gym leader is too worried about her friend to cause me any more trouble..." Apparently mumbling to herself, it took her a belated moment to realize she was no longer alone, head snapping up with fury apparent in her eyes.

Frustration bubbling over, the grunt lashed out at this unfortunate intrusion and clenched her fists while advancing towards him. "I thought I told you morons to beat it! No one is getting past me until we're done with this stupid lighthouse," she hissed, one hand fumbling at her belt to unlatch the sole Poké Ball on it. Enlarging it, the woman waved it threateningly at Joey, taking no heed of his tough appearance in her supreme irritation. "Just because I'm here on my own doesn't mean I'm a pushover. Team Rocket doesn't allow weak links in the chain of command." Swatting a stray hair back into place, she raised a slender eyebrow at Joey in a silent challenge, daring him to stick around for a proper thrashing.

None of the trainers that had tried to battle her had lasted long, and with no word from HQ on moving out of this cramped, briny smelling lighthouse was only furthering her anger. "You gonna play macho man and try to win against me?" the grunt taunted, throwing out her Poké Ball to release a Gloom. Almost immediately a foul stench pervaded the air, even the Rocket grunt wincing from the atrocious stink. "I'll give you one chance to run away. Take it or leave it," she offered, hoping for him to acquiesce and make this painless for all of them.

Warning!

---

Team Rocket Grunt is blocking your path!
She sends out Gloom (Level 37)!

Please choose a Pokémon to battle with.

[The REAL Joey]

Upon entering the third floor of the lighthouse, Joey skidded to a halt as he took in the sight of the woman commandeering the whole floor to herself. Considering Denise's words, there was no doubt this was the shady person. Further to that it seemed his hunch was also correct. "Heh, knew there'd only be a few unscrupulous individuals who would fall into the category of black suited and shady lookin'." Punching a fist into his hand, he cracked his neck from side to side, limbering himself up for the confrontation. There was no way he would be able to take on the Rocket if Pokemon were in the equation but that didn't mean they couldn't be removed. Throwing his own into the mix would see to that and then he'd lay some revenge on these criminal mobsters. "You think i'm just any ol' trainer y'goddamned Rocket floozy?!" Watching as she took in his visual, Joey sneered with a cocksure grin as he knew there was going to be a fight right around the corner. And considering it was with his most hated foes, that made it all the more enticing. "It's been some time since I beat the crap outta you Rocket types. Too bad lady, you're gonna have to deal with all my pent up violence. Man, woman, kid, I don't care about any of that the moment you slap that detestable red R over yourself. Revenge is blind to all that." Swinging an arm around in a windmill motion, he was all too raring to go and deliver some righteous justice to this criminal fiend.

"And lemme guess. The fact Team Rocket is involved here likely means you're up t'no good. Considering how the Pokemon in the lighthouse has become sick..." Leering his eyes and sporting a smirk over his lips, Joey sussed what was really going on here. "I bet you've got some hand in it!" He may have acted the fool in most instances but it was all a ruse to his sharp, perceptive intellect. Hearing her blurt out against him, Joey let out a condescending laugh as he stomped forward, his fist clenched threateningly. "Try to win? You slag, i'm gonna repaint these walls with your blood once i'm through wit'ya." As good a soul as Joey was, once Team Rocket was thrown into the mix, he often lost sight of the more just way of doing things. He truly believed in a means to an end. And if it mean breaking every bone in this Team Rocket grunt's body to send a message back to the mob, he would gladly do so. Watching as she sent forth her chosen fighter, Joey sniffed his nose as he picked up on the sudden shift in aroma. Whilst most would be appalled by such a noxious smelling scent, he didn't seem the least bit phased. "Hah, if you think the smell alone is gonna drive me off like all the other trainers here, you're thicker than you look. I spend the whole day inhaling bike fumes and gas from my Weezing. This don't mean squat." Taking in a hearty inhale of the foul stench, he breathed out and laughed heartily. Looked like all those years of hanging around bad smelling areas had paid off.

"You can take your chance, flip it sideways and shove it up your arse." His grin now maniacally wild, he took a rather cavalier pose before raising a hand and clicking his fingers. "We're gonna beat you down." Odd that he mentioned we when there was only himself standing there, it appeared he had a few screws loose. However, his words would soon make sense. His shadow moving unnaturally, it stretched out forwards in front of the male despite there being no change in the angle of lighting and it wasn't long before the shadow warped into a ghoulish looking figure. Springing up from the darkness of the shadow, none other than Dante appeared with a devilish cackle. His long tongue flailing out as it comically licked around his lips before retreating back into his mouth, it appeared the dead soul was just as intent on exacting revenge on Team Rocket. "Hahahahaha, about time I got put up to bat against one of these Rocket bozos. Ooooohoho, i'm gonna relish this. Better call in the exorcist because things gon' get spooky." Tilting his head to the side as he retained his cocky grin, Joey spoke out to her, applying intimidation even so early on. "So tell me. This ain't gonna take long. How do you prefer we do this? I can beat you black and blue or I could just chuck you outta that window. Let's see if Rockets can fly or not. Hey Dante, let's mop up this grunt. Shadow Ball!" Letting out a hearty cackle, Dante leered his eyes, his cheshire grin still larger than ever. "One Shadow Ball, comin' up! Rest in pieces! Ohohohahahaha!" Shifting his hands to his side, the ghost began concentrating ethereal energy into an orb, ready to fire off.

[latani]

Vs. Team Rocket Grunt
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The woman's face flushed an ugly shade as Joe went off on her, shaking hands clenched into fists resting at her sides. She wasn't as violence-inclined as many of her co-workers, but what this biker brat was spewing out had her inching closer to lashing out. "Shut up, you brute. You think I'm going to run away from empty threats?" the grunt snorted, blowing a big bubble to emphasize her supposed lack of fear. As a sole grunt left here to chase off nosy people, she hadn't expected to run into trouble like this, where someone hadn't been cowed off by her Gloom's powerful odour. It left her uncertain, extremely unhappy, especially after hearing Joey's deduction of the real reason for her presence.

"Confidential information. Even if it wasn't, not like I'd be willing to share with someone as primitive minded as yourself." Outwardly her expression was open scorn, not wavering in the face of his vow to paint the walls red. She wasn't made of soft stuff, Team Rocket often subject to much worse threats from those more powerful than a lone crusader against them. Her brows rose in disbelief as Joe readily inhaled the scent of her Gloom, stomach nearly revolting at the idea of actually enjoying it. Firmly clamping her mouth closed, despite having a plethora of insults she wanted to hurl at him, the pink-haired woman resorted to a dark glare while Dante made his appearance in style.

Her Gloom remained impassive throughout the entire exchange, the drool leaking from its mouth nearly touching the floor by now, simply waiting for a battle to begin. Face flushing again, the woman let out a feminine snarl. "I choose option C - knocking your cocky butt right back down those stairs. Maybe I'll chuck a Voltorb or two down with you, make things REAL fun. Gloom, brace yourself and hit back with Venoshock!" the grunt snapped, voice echoing sharply in the confines of the room.

It tottered forwards, tucking into itself as Dante launched the amassed sphere of ghostly power with a gleeful cackle. The sphere exploded in a swirl of black and purple, knocking Gloom back a few feet, though it surprisingly remained standing. Smirking, the grunt crossed her arms over her chest and watched her Gloom tilt its bulbs in Dante's direction. A foul-smelling purple liquid burst free from the clustered bulbs, biting into the Gengar's semi-corporeal body enough to make him wince slightly. It wasn't a strong attack, thanks to his typing, and he was back to grinning manically within seconds.

Trainer Battle

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Rocket Grunt's Gloom | Level 37 |
Health: 40% (41/102 HP)
Status: I'm gonna call them; Sp. Def -1
Gloom used a successful Venoshock!

VS

Joey's Dante | Level 37 |
Health: 93% (95/102 HP)
Status: Spooky scary ghostly guy; Normal
Dante used a successful Shadow Ball!

[The REAL Joey]

Sneering his grin as she responded, Joey had a feeling she was falling for his bait. The more riled up they got, the easier they were for him to overcome. Letting her blow up the bubblegum she was chewing, he smirked as it popped, allowing him to interject with his rebuttal. "Empty threats? Haha, lady, you don't know who you're talkin' to. 'Sides, there's no real exit is there. Unless you plan on runnin' up to the top floor and doin' us all a favour and jumpin' off. Hell, it'd save me having to rearrange your face." What this Rocket didn't seem to realise was that whilst she was blocking the entrance to the top, Joey was also similarly doing the same by blocking off the exit down below. She would have to be very agile or actually use some wits to try and slip past him. Of course, being as tight lipped as she was about what had been done to the Ampharos wasn't helping but if she changed her tune it may even work out to the Rocket's advantage. As she mentioned how she wouldn't disclose as a shred of what was going on, Joey shook his head despondently. "Alright, if that's how you wanna play it. Sure i'll be able to beat it outta ya. I doubt you're so committed to Team Rocket you wouldn't talk after i'm through."

She had mentioned that she wouldn't succumb to empty threats but the moment Dante appeared out of the shadows, it seemed as if he was a lot more capable in seeing through what he was mouthing off about. Sadly not just forfeiting at this point, Joey screwed his face up slightly as she threw out a whole other option. One which didn't seem the least bit probable. "Oh lady, you think it's really gonna be that easy to send me tumblin' down those stairs?" Fairly certain he could take her by merely using his strength to overwhelm whatever she threw at him, his eye fell to her belt and he let out a hearty, triumphant laugh as he smacked his leg whilst doubling over. "Hahahahaha! Oh man! You've gotta be kiddin' me!" Straightening back up and letting his laugh die off with a whimper, he rubbed a hand over his mouth before his tone shifted. "You're only packing a single Pokemon." Lifting up the side of his jacket, he flashed off the remaining five Pokeballs on his belt holster. "Dante, hit that Gloom already. I doubt it's gonna be able to wall us." His maniacal cackles reaching a fever pitch, Joey watch as the billowy orb of darkness when flying forwards and crashed into Gloom with an explosive force.

As the impact created an expulsion of a dark smoke like blanket, Joey grinned as he really didn't believe in the staying power of the enemy. "Heh. Piece a... HUH?!" As the smoke parted, Joey watched in some apparent shock as the blooming flower creature was still standing and worse yet, was retaliating with its move. Watching as a dastardly looking venom was shot forward at Dante, Joey winced slightly but remained firm. Dante on the other hand seemed to be hamming up the hit. "OH! OH! OH WHAT A WORLD... I'm melting! MELTING... MEEEEEEEEEELTING!" His body slowly dissolving into the floor, the room fell quiet before a sudden surprise return from out of the shadows of the floor had Dante shrugging off the hit. "Not very bright are ya?! I'm dead! What kinda trainer school did you go to where you try and kill somethin' that's already dead?!" Somewhat rubbed the wrong way that it was still standing, Dante's typically carefree grin was now curling into something menacing. "I'll give ya credit, you hung in there but this is where it ends. Dante, fire off another Shadow Ball." Having already thrown his arms into position, the Gengar wasn't going to let this one get away. "Already on it." His red eyes glaring, he licked his lips with his exaggeratively long tongue before savouring his words. "I'm going to enjoy blitzing you to hell and back."

[Deleted]

The rocket grunt did not see Joey as a threat at all. She thought that he was all talk and no game and that his Gengar had just gotten lucky in the first round. She had trained this Gloom for quite some time and she could not accept the fact that there might be some Pokemon that were stronger than her precious Gloom. " Yes I said empty threats are you daft or are you hard of hearing. In either case when me and Gloom get done with this annoying specter you will be next and trust me getting thrown off the top of this lighthouse is merciful for what I have planned for you. Believing that she had made her point she looked at Gloom who did not look very well."

The plant Pokemon had taken quite a hit from Shadow Ball but neither it nor the Rocket Grunt believed that it was a normal hit and were sure it must have been a critical one. Trying not to freak out she looked back up towards Joey before she began running her mouth again. " If you think I will ever talk you are out of your mind. My mission here is just about complete and you are too late to do anything anyways so good luck buddy." As cocky as she felt however when Joey showed her five other Pokeball's she began to grow a bit worried as she was not prepared for a long drawn out battle. She was not going to be able to last much longer if her Gloom took another powerful hit from Shadow Ball and even if the next one did not knock it out there was no way it could last against 5 Pokemon.

" So you have a bunch of Pokemon that does not impress me. My missions outcome does not rest on the outcome of this battle and even if by some miracle you manage to win it will have no serious implications on myself so go ahead and act all tall and mighty. Do your worst I dare you just so I can enjoy watching you waste your own time." As she watched Dante prepare another Shadow Ball she was not going to allow Gloom to go down without a fight. " Gloom use Venoshock to teach this idiot not to mess with us." However as the plant slowly prepared it's own attack Dante had already finished getting his ready.

He fired a dark purple orb towards Gloom at high speed aimed right at it's face. The impact was tremendous causing a ton of damage leaving Gloom nearly lifeless in front of the grunt. Staying true to her word however the grunt returned her Pokemon. " So you won big whoop it only caused my target to suffer even more. Now I am afraid I must bit you adieu to witness the results of my work." She then jumped off the side of the lighthouse landing on an inflatable platform in the water as she slowly made her getaway although some of the money she had in her suit fell out close to Joey at least giving him something for putting up with her antics.

Rocket Grunt's Gloom: | Level 37|
Health: 0% (0/102 HP)
Status: KO'ed
KO'ed
Move: None

Joey's Dante: | Level 37 |
Health: 78% (19/102 HP)
Status: Normal,
The shadows consume you!
Move: Shadow Ball

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Dante Fought well and gained 1388 exp thanks to his Lucky Egg. He is now level 38. He has 395/4447 experience needed to level up.

Metyrant gained 925 experience thanks to it's Experience Share. It now has 2027/2791 experience needed to level up.


Rocket Grunt Velma drops 890 Poke as she runs off! The path to the next floor is clear.

[The REAL Joey]

His face still grinning, it was clear that Joey was actually quite ticked off with the grunt and was wanting nothing more than to give her a good old bit of revenge. No matter what she was up to here, it spelt nothing honourable. "I bet you a few hundred Pokedollar once this is over you're gonna try and make a break for it. We're both mouthing off here but the only real difference is that I follow through with what i'm sayin'." Just as soon as he finished wagering what this grunt would do, he let out a hearty laugh as he brushed aside the fact she was chalking herself and her actions here today as some sort of victory. "Hahahahaha, whatever helps ya sleep at night. If it's poison, i'm sure there's ways round it. I got a real bright gang member who I know who specialises in antidotes and herbalism. That and there's this real swell pharmacy off the coast of Cianwood." Leaning forward as his grin became dangerously loud, he let out one more laugh. "I could fly there and back in the space of minutes. Whatever you've done, i'll make damn sure to reverse it. So whilst you high tail it back to whatever Rocket boss you work for i'm sure they'll be reeeeeaaaaal happy in the fact you screwed up."

Leaning back, he folded his arms and cavalierly shot her a look of disbelief. "Last I heard, failure don't sit too well with you Rocket types." Feeling he had battered her into a corner well and truly, Joey blinked in a somewhat gormless manner as this female Rocket appeared to continue on her path of delusion. "Wuh-wuh-wuh-wha?! What ya talkin' about if I succeed? Dammit, even I dropped out school but I know simple maths when I see it. The odds are stacked with 6 against 1." Realising it may not be delusion but rather the Rocket buying for time, Joey let out a smirk as by the time she attempted for a further delay, Dante had wasted no time in firing off the Shadow Ball he had been conjuring. "HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! SEE YOU IN HEEEEEEELL!" The manic ghost yelled as the ball went soaring through the air and exploded with a vengeful force. It was rare this side of Dante was coaxed out but being up against a Rocket, especially one as up her own rear as this, was just enough to do the trick. "Heh, a clean hit. Let's see what she's gonna do now." With the shadow smoke spilling to reveal the scene unfolding.

"HEY! GET BACK HERE!" The moment's slip all she needed, it appeared the grunt had dashed towards the window. Storming his way forward as well with a lithe movement, he was within grabbing reach as she leapt out. "YOU G'DAMN SCHMUCK!" Joey yelled. He was violent when it came to Team Rocket. One only had to look at his previous encounters with them but even he would draw the line about throwing someone off such a high level. Coming to a halt as he met with the window's ledge, he looked over to observe what happened before noticing she had a back up plan. An inflatable platform had secured her safety, meaning the grunt had made a getaway. Mixed with feelings, Joey merely yelled out as he threw an obscene gesture with both his arms. "Ahh, get bent!" Standing back and kicking the side of the wall, he noticed the money that had dropped from the scuffle and picked it up. "Grargh... Always one that gets away. But if Team Rocket is involved, we got no time to lose. C'mon Dante, we're goin' up!" Storming off as he made his way up the stairs, Dante let out a contented yawn. "Ehhh, whatever ya say boss. Least that Gloom got what was comin'. Stupid, lil'..." Trailing off into a mutter, the Gengar merged with the shadows once more and trailed after.

- Joey and Dante ascend to 4F -