Time to Even the Odds [Fin]

[Lamont]

The city was a wondrous sight. A compacted collection of towering buildings refracting the sun's rays in delightful colors as he moved along the streets. Somehow they managed to stick in a good balance of greenery too, making the city more welcoming to those not quite used to such artificial grandeur.

Damien had spent the first while getting a layout of the place while waiting for his pokémon to recover at the center. It was easy enough to navigate around once he was used to how it curved around the lake on its northern side. The wide open space glistening with water around the single bridge cutting across was a surprise at first, but what attracted his attention the most was the large pagoda stretching upward. It was the only building on that side. Though intriguing, he put a note off to the side to take a better look at it later. First he wanted to check out the gym located in town.

It was a short inspection. Somehow he had managed to forget the fact that the first gym was full of bird types. The boy didn't even catch a glimpse of Falkner, merely gazing upon the prideful avians perched by their respective trainers practicing within the building was enough to give him butterflies. They looked tough. Their talons sparkling white, beaks sharp, and feathers pristine. Damien departed from his window seat and had made his way back to the pokécenter.

Fingers tingling with uncertain anxiety about challenging Falkner, Damien found himself by the lake as he wandered about Violet. His gaze trailed up the tower on the far side, quietly staring for a few moments before he decided it would be a good distraction. Something to get his mind back on track and relaxed. What he found inside, after some sign reading outside, was nothing short than appalling.

Immediately the sound of a heated battle reached his ears, his eyes scouring the floor for the source. A fight inside a building? That seemed a little odd. There were two monks calling to a pair of bellsprout whipping at a fire pokémon that appeared to have no trainer. Damien closed the door behind him and made a curious approach, wondering if this was some sort of scripted training. It didn't take long to figure out that was incorrect. The monks were angry, lashing at the cyndaquil mercilessly both verbally and with their bellsprouts' vines. The apparent wild pokémon looked a bit afraid, barely managing to keep the gang up at bay by making a trail of embers. But it was determined.

He didn't quite understand the situation yet but it was clear this was more than just monks trying to discourage a wild fire type from coming into the wood building.
"Hey! This is a bit extreme don't you think?" the ranger yelled at the pair of monks. Damien hastened his approach, coming up by the cyndaquil as he faced the monks.

Word Count: 493

[Morrigan]

Alongside the famous Violet City Gym, Sprout Tower was a popular landmark for tourists and travelling trainers alike. The tall, traditional building was an eye catcher and well known for the central swaying wooden beam, which gently shook from side to side within the interior of the tower, much like the body of a Bellsprout. Consisting of three floors; Monks, Sages and Elders were known to reside within the wooden walls, welcoming one and all inside to either train or pray. The local academy would even visit the tower on school trips, which made what was going on inside even more difficult to comprehend. As Damien entered the wooden doors, wanting to investigate the sound of battling, he was welcomed by the surprising sight of two Sages ganging up against a lone Cyndaquil.

Trying to force the two Bellsprout to back off by scattering some embers, the terrified little fire type didn't stand much of a chance. Cowering fearfully as the wriggling weeds let loose a flurry of vine whip attacks, they gave little room for the Cyndaquil to try and fight back, let alone flee. Having not yet noticed the presence of Damien, one of the Sages stepped forward, lifted his clenched hand which gripped to a string of rosary beads. "This is what you deserve, you foul beast! A demon such as you shouldn't have entered these holy walls!" Completely out of order in the Ranger's eyes, their actions were enough to make him step forward and speak up, the two Sages turning their heads toward the direction of his voice.

"You there! The tower is currently closed! Please leave!" Speaking abruptly with a thrust of his arm, the first Sage spoke. "Do not involve yourself with our affairs. This creature... Is not welcome here!" Thanks to Damien's arrival, the weakened Cyndaquil had managed to wriggle itself free from the constant slapping of the vine whip but it was spotted once more as it tried to sneak past the Sage, as if heading towards the stairs. Was it trying to go upward. "Hold it right there!" Once again, the Bellsprout went to action, whipping away at the lone fire type. Damien had been warned but could he really leave, knowing that this abuse was going on? He could either walk away, ignorant to what he saw, or stand forward and fight.

Sage's Jin and Chow are attacking a wild Cyndaquil with two Bellsprout (Level 9)!
Help out the Cyndaquil? Select a Pokemon and order a move!

[Lamont]

The disdain seething from the monks words for the fire pokémon in the room was disgusting. Cyndaquil's stubborn efforts to get by and further up the tower weren't that of a lost pokémon wandering in where it shouldn't. This fiery mouse was going for something even at the risk of its own health. It had to be something important. And these stalwart monks weren't being very good representatives of their calm practices.

As they turned away from him to resume lashing at the cyndaquil Damien's fingers twitched, grasping one of his own pokémon nestled in the familiar white and red balls and throwing it into the air. The machine opened in a flash of light, forming into the shape of a small bird. Cyrus stretched his wings and released an excited caw as his keen eyes locked onto the abuse being displayed before him. The pidgey twisted its head around to look at its trainer.

"We need to help that fire pokémon Cyrus! Split them up with a gust on the bellsprout Cyndaquil isn't targeting," he instructed to his young avian. Of who gave a determined chirp in reply.

Word Count: 189

[Morrigan]

Thinking that they had managed to warn Damien away, the two Sages had turned, unknowing that the aspiring Ranger was still there. Instead, they focused on the continued whipping of the poor Cyndaquil. The Pokemon's past was not known, nor was the reason as to why it wanted to climb the tower so desperately but surely there was a way of settling matters other than this. Eyes winced shut, the Cyndaquil remained in a defensive ball, not that it did much good. It's body could still feel every slash of vine coil against it's body, all until...

"YOU INSOLENT CHILD!"

Finally noticing the flapping of wings as Cyrus surged forward, the two Sages had turned away from the Cyndaquil to face Damien. Following their stead, the Bellsprout were distracted also and as the Vine Whips ceased, it gave the Cyndaquil the perfect oppotunity. A burst of flames sprung up from it's back, like a rising volcano, singing the tip of one of the Bellsprout's vines. As the bell like plant shrieked in horror, it gave the Cyndaquil enough time to leap backward to a safer distance. "You... You must be in cahoots with this fiend! We will not let you ascend the tower! We will protect Elder Li!" Cutting the Sage short of his little monologue, the Cyndaquil parted it's mouth and sent a scattering of embers forward which clung to the body of one Bellsprout.

Crying out in agony, the Bellsprout attempted some sort of manic, wobbling dance to try and put of the flames. "Grr!!" Within seconds, the Bellsprout was nothing more than a burnt little weed but they hadn't finished yet. Cyrus swooped in and before the second Bellsprout could be given an order, sent a swirling gust hurtling in it's direction. Before it knew what was even going on, the incredibly light grass type was uprooted and forced to spin within the gust's current. "ENOUGH!" One of the Sage's bellowed, "Bellsprout! Use your vines to save your brethren!" Crispy around the edges, the Bellsprout was able to atleast do this much. Extending it's vines, it managed to pull the Bellsprout out of the winds just before it gently dispersed.

Being placed back on the ground with spinning eyes, both of the Sage's stared at Damien in absolute fury. "You choose to stand in our way?! Very well... We will banish you from our holy tower! Bellsprout..." "VINE WHIP!" "VINE WHIP!" Calling out in unison, the Bellsprout's furrowed their brows and despite their injuries, followed their orders. In perfect sync, the two creatures sent out a flurry of vine whips, dealing revenge damage straight back to the ones who had attacked them.

---

Jin's Bellsprout: | Level 9 |
Health: 32% (10/30 HP)
Status: Normal
Bellsprout used Vine Whip on Cyrus!

Chow's Bellsprout: | Level 9 |
Health: 13% (4/30 HP)
Status: Normal
Bellsprout used Vine Whip on Cyndaquil!

VS

Cyrus: | Level 10 |
Health: 90% (27/30 HP)
Status: Normal
Cyrus used Gust!

Cyndaquil: | Level 10 |
Health: 90% (27/30 HP)
Status: Normal
Cyndaquil used Ember!

[Lamont]

The monk's cry of defending their elder brought a new set of thoughts racing through his mind, but in the end something told him their plea wasn't as virtuous as they made it sound. Perhaps it had something to do with the savage beating and curtly manners. Either way it was a little late to try and mediate between the two via verbal negotiations. He was starting to feel like a real trainer at this point, settling differences with pokémon battles instead of yelling matches.

Cyrus preformed beautifully, managing to split the bellsprouts' attention and shake one up quite a bit. The pidgey also seemed quite proud of himself as he hovered in the air following his successful use of Gust. The cheer was only momentary though as another flurry of floral whips lashed out at the bird, cracking across his feathered body.

"You bet I do," Damien began his reply, clearly miffed. "I don't know what kind of practices you guys perform, but you obviously need some new lessons." It was a bit amusing for the seventeen year old trainer to spout such a threat to the pair of men older than himself. Undoubtedly sounding a bit like a naive boy mimicking someone more astute and experienced than himself to these enlightened cenobites.

"You know what to do Cyrus, same as before."

Word Count: 223

[Morrigan]

One of the Sage's grunted, his arms folding as Damien declared that he had chosen to side with the Cyndaquil. He didn't know the entire story but as an aspiring Ranger, protector of Pokemon, he couldn't overlook the abuse that the fire type was receiving. The fact that these men had chosen to use such violent measures to try and rid the tower of the Cyndaquil's presence meant one of two things. The Cyndaquil had done wrong or the members of Sprout Tower were acting out of order, quite a bit out of order in fact. Placing his trust in the Pokemon for now, there was no way he could allow the Pokemon to face these goons solo. It wanted to get to the top and if he was interested in getting to the bottom of this situation, Damien would have to follow. Gaining enough confidence to talk back to the Sage's, perhaps this would be a good experience for him in the long run. "Hmph. Interferance will not be tolerated. You side with the demon? Very well! You too, are an enemy to the members of the Sprout!" "We will not allow you to tarnish our name or approach the Elder! Be gone!"

These two were very defensive, so it was unlikely that Damien would be able to grasp any information from them. But maybe if he was able to head up, he could find this Elder they kept on mentioning. Issuing his order, the Cyndaquil gave Cyrus a glance of acknowledgement, as the flames across it's back danced, burning even brighter than before. "We must defeat them!" "We cannot fail to protect the tower!" With their words, the weak Bellsprout struck a pose which suggested that they too, were not going to let the Cyndaquil or Damien pass. But their opponents were strong and it wouldn't be long until they lost. With a flap of his wings, Cyrus was very quick in churning up another gust of wind, which lifted and span a Bellsprout around with incredible velocity, as when it hit the ground, it had already fainted. Leaving one Bellsprout left, the Cyndaquil took a proud step forward and with a lift of it's snout, shot forth another scattering of embers.

---

Jin's Bellsprout: | Level 9 |
Health: 0% (0/30 HP)
Status: Normal
Bellsprout fainted!

Chow's Bellsprout: | Level 9 |
Health: 0% (0/30 HP)
Status: Normal
Bellsprout fainted!

VS

Cyrus: | Level 10 |
Health: 90% (27/30 HP)
Status: Normal
Cyrus used Gust!

Cyndaquil: | Level 10 |
Health: 90% (27/30 HP)
Status: Normal
Cyndaquil used Ember!

---

Congratulations!
Sage's Jin and Chow were defeated!


Cyrus gained 2 levels and grew to Level 12!

---

With both of the Bellsprout down for the count, the two Sage's were very quick in withdrawing their Pokemon. It didn't look as if they had any other Pokemon either and after exchanging irritated glances, they decided to warn Damien once more. "You should not involve yourself with that creature. It only brings misfortune." Their words were simply but laced with caution, their serious facial features adding to the severity of their words. Turning on the spot, the men began to ascend the flight of stairs, likely to alert the Elder or other Sages of the infiltration of the Cyndaquil and it's accomplice. Once they were out of sight, the Cyndaquil turned it's head and for a moment, stared at him. Slowly lowering it's head, it gestured as if to thank him but then quickly skipped off towards the first set of stairs. Beginning to climb them step by step, the fire type worked it's way upward. No matter what, the Cyndaquil was determined to proceed, it was up to Damien if he wanted to involve himself any further or leave before things became too much.

The wild Cyndaquil begins to progress to the First Floor!
Follow or Leave?

[Lamont]

Quietly in his mind the boy reveled in the victory over the monks, showing no more than a smug grin and the lightest of nods accompanying an excited clenched fist. He was expecting the pair to continue talking him down, or even simply angrily cursing him. But they didn't. No, the acolytes gave him a warning instead and it wasn't even a threat. If Damien hadn't just witnessed some of the things these two were doing the words of caution would have sounded sensible and in actual caring of the trainer's well being. The pair left him rather perplexed and pondering as they swiftly turned on their heels and vanished up to the second floor.

Damien looked to Cyndaquil almost in time with the little fire mouse twisted its head around to gaze up at the ranger. Cyrus skipped his way over to stand next to his trainer as the wild pokémon gestured its thanks. Before he could ask it any questions though the little guy was already at the stairway crawling its way up. Well he couldn't very well just leave it to undoubtedly fight more monks on its own up there.
"Ready for another round?" he asked Cyrus. Either way he'd be heading up the stairs, but if his young bird friend didn't want to partake he had other pokémon to choose from. But the pidgey didn't disappoint, chirping loudly with a flutter of its wings and hopping a couple steps toward the stairs.

With a nod and prominent smile the in-experienced ranger set off for the stairway to follow Cyndaquil to the next floor. Cyrus followed awkwardly beside, switching between short glides and jumps. It'd be much easier if it was just perched on Damien, but the avian was quite aware of how uncomfortable his trainer still was about birds in close proximity. Their bond had definitely grown and the trust was there, but the flinching reflex born from past experiences was still something Damien had trouble suppressing. One day maybe, but today was not that day. For now the companionship was enough for the lonely pidgey.

Word Count: 350

[Tyger]

Once up the stairs, Damien and Cyrus would be faced with a similarly dressed problem. A tall Sage, in robes no different than the ones the two monks at the base were wearing, stood, tending to a Bellsprout. The air was serious about him and he seemed more... capable compared than the others as well. Perhaps as one climbed higher, the trainers became stronger? Either way, The little claws of Pidgey and the footsteps from Damien gave away their position. At first Sage Neal seemed merely annoyed at the presence of someone without his knowledge, but as soon as his eyes locked in on the Cyndaquil, the annoyance melted into pure disgust. "Oh, you have got to be kidding me." He growled, standing upright and crossing his arms. His long face seemed to accentuate his frown. "What have we told you about setting foot in this tower again? Your destructive fire is just as a nuisance as your presence." The Cyndaquil didn't seem phased by the words, merely focused on the steps behind Neal. Obviously, it wasn't phased and merely wanted to continue.

"No, I know exactly where you want to go, and I will make sure that you will not make it there. And you!" Neal turned his attention to the trainer, Damien. "While I do not have a problem with you specifically, I do have a problem with you assisting this... creature... with it's ascension. It is a deliberate stain on the peace we have been trying to keep here for so long. For the power of Bellsprout, we will stop you, Cyndaquil." Neal growled, looking down at the Bellsprout he was tending to. It began to waddle forward before taking spot up in front of the Sage. Cyndaquil shuffled to take the battle for itself, but Sage Neal flipped a switch. Immediately the sprinklers began to activate, dousing all involved as well as Cyndaquil. While it wasn't hurt, it was obvious these were installed to either ward off Cyndaquil or at least stop some of it's damage from it's multiple attempts to scale the tower. "It looks like you can't do anything, Cyndaquil, can you?" The sage turned to Damien. "I assume you will battle in it's place? Come. Let us test your integrity."




Sage Neal is blocking the path!
He sends out Bellsprout! (Level 9)

-Rain is in effect-

[Lamont]

The more he heard from these monks the more his curiosity grew. What exactly was the history here? The rivalry between grass type trainers and a fire pokémon was the simple part but there seemed to be more than just that simple headbutting. The acolytes' voices held a weighted annoyance. Moreso this man's than the previous two, of who sounded more like newcomers to the fray repeating back what they had been told. As Damien attempted to quietly piece together this puzzle the sage activated a fire prevention system: sprinklers.

They were definitely prepared. The ranger looked at the shuddering cyndaquil as the waters enveloped it. Just how many times had this little guy attempted to get up this tower? His attention returned to Sage Neal when he made the challenge, sending out his own bellsprout. Damien was sure he was still doing right by the fiery mouse, and he had already gotten involved, so he looked down to the bird nestled by his leg in an attempt to avoid some of the water droplets.
"You're up Cyrus, be careful." The pidgey puffed up his feathers for a second before hopping out onto into the designated battlefield. It would be tough for the bird pokémon to do much in the way of aerial acrobatics in the effective rain but he still had a type advantage to bank on.

"Just what did Cyndaquil do to you guys?" he questioned the sagely man while Cyrus got into position. Once the battle had begun Damien called for Cyrus to use Gust.

Word Count: 258

[Morrigan]

vs Sage Neal
__________________________________

His speculation becoming true, Sage Neal seemed to bow his head ever so slightly when Damien stepped forward as his opponent. Truly, Neal could not hold grudges against the boy. He was mixing himself in with something that he didn't truly understand but the Sages were there to help enlighten him. Of course, his fellow brothers Jin and Chow clearly left a bad impression on Damien but perhaps Neal could help by painting a better picture. As the sprinkler system kept the Cyndaquil at bay for this battle, Neal's own Bellsprout stepped forward as Cyrus was called upon once again, carrying his very slight whipped injuries from the battle before hand. Folding his arms into the opposite sleeves of his robes, the man closed his eyes and looked deep in thought before looking across at his opponent once more. "The Sages here train day in, day out of the way of the 'Sprout. Flowing through life like an elegant vine, we congratulate good and forgive those who have sinned." From the words of his monologue, surely that meant that whatever the Cyndaquil had done allowed a second chance of forgiveness but the monk's face soon turned sour.

"But this Cyndaquil... This barbaric Pokemon, viciously attacked our sacred Bellsprout. But the holy can not be taken down by the fire of hell and our sacred Bellsprout defeated the Cyndaquil. Since that day, it has returned time and time again, attacking those who dwell in the tower, all at the chance of revenge." Explaining the story in brief, there seemed to be a huge lack of detail, particularly on the Cyndaquil's side of the story. The Bellsprout and Cyndaquil had fought but for what reason? Perhaps those answers would be best left coming from the Elder, who resided at the top. But judging from the other Sage's, there was no doubt that his version of the story would also be twisted out of place. "Thus, to protect the Elder and our Sacred Bellsprout, we have taken a vow to never let it climb to the top. We follow the path of forgiveness but this Cyndaquil has nothing but a burning hatred etched into it's heart. We will never be able to see eye to eye!"

Turning to his own Bellsprout upon realising he had likely said too much, Neal gave his order. "Now, Bellsprout. Use Growth! We must be prepared to defend ourselves against this individual!" But before the Bellsprout could even tense up it's vine like body in response, Cyrus had already whipped up another swirling gust of wind which shook the grass type out of place. Swirling around like a knotted weed, the Bellsprout struggled to find it's balance after the attack but soon thickened up it's body. As if growing a whole extra size, the slightly bigger Bellsprout towered over Cyrus, in comparison and glared at Damien with it's beady eyes.

---

Bellsprout: | Level 9 |
Health: 20% (6/30 HP)
Status: +1 Atk, +1 Sp. Atk
Bellsprout used Growth!

VS
Rain in effect

Cyrus: | Level 12 |
Health: 90% (32/35 HP)
Status: Normal
Cyrus used Gust!

[Lamont]

The Sage's words were quietly mulled over as the first moves were exchanged between the pokémon. If one was to take the robed man's story at face value the closest thing to a villain would be the drenched cyndaquil standing by the ranger. But there were still missing pieces; and they smelt fishy. A bellsprout beating a cyndaquil? He could only assume the Elder at the top of this tower was in possession of this sacred grass pokémon, but he would have to be like a gym leader in order to overcome such a type disadvantage... Or use tricks such as these sprinklers. Damien's hands curled up into fists at the idea, his lips bending into the slightest smirk. It seemed this would be good practice for the actual gym in town.

The young lad didn't shout back any retort or disagreement with Sage Neal. He was at least far more reasonable than the previous two bellsprout trainers he'd encountered downstairs. This man truly believed in what he was doing was right, and not in a malicious manner. This dispute wouldn't be solved by words, and he had a feeling there wouldn't be any further insight provided by the Sage opposing him. This would be handled by the two creatures representing their trainer's in battle. He would get to the Elder of the tower for his answers.

"Cyrus, get in close and Tackle the Bellsprout!"

Word Count: 235

[Morrigan]

vs Sage Neal
__________________________________

As the story of the Cyndaquil was explained to Damien, how much of it he wanted to believe was up to the Ranger. Sage Neal, on the other hand, looked somewhat relieved to get the story off of his chest. He felt somewhat guilty for battling this trainer who didn't really know better. But if after this match, Damien was still determined to go up and meet the Elder, Neal would respect the boys wishes and allow him so. Eyes dancing off to the side to spot the soaked Cyndaquil, it hadn't been much use in this battle but by the time it climbed up the stairs, it would likely be dry and ready for another round of fight. Against the Elder. As much as he didn't want to let the fire type pass, especially with the aid of the Ranger by it's side, there was little that could be done. Eyes closing slowly, Neal looped his arms into the opposite sleeve, folding them up by his chest. His Bellsprout might have grown in size thanks to the nourishing attack but if anything, it just made it more obvious how much pain his Pokemon was in.

"Now that you understand, do you still truly wish to side with the Cyndaquil?" His voice eventually piercing the silence, Sage Neal felt that it was his duty to assure Damien that siding with the fire type was wrong. "This grudge bearing creature will only bring misfortune upon you. It is a bad omen. Leave, whilst you still can." Deep down, he already knew the answer. This boy was a king Samaritan who rushed to the side of a Pokemon in need. Until he had definite proof, there was no way he would be running away. Huffing to himself, the Sage stood in silence as the Pidgey known as Cyrus swooped through the air, landing the final tackle to finish another battle off.

---

Bellsprout: | Level 9 |
Health: 0% (0/30 HP)
Status: +1 Atk, +1 Sp. Atk
Bellsprout fainted!

VS
Rain in effect

Cyrus: | Level 12 |
Health: 90% (32/35 HP)
Status: Normal
Cyrus used Tackle!

---

Congratulations!
Sage Neal was defeated! (£336 Updated)


Cyrus gained 2 levels and grew to Level 14!
Cyrus learnt the move Quick Attack!

---

Withdrawing the fainted, tangle Bellsprout back into it's Pokeball, Sage Neal gave a discontented sigh before looking over to Damien once more. "You will learn nothing new but as you bested me, I will allow you to pass and meet with the Elder. Even if I do despise that creature." Leering with a sneer at the Cyndaquil, the balding man stepped away from the final set of stairs, opening the path up for the fire type and Damien to continue. Shaking it's body to flick off the remaining droplets of water, the Cyndaquil moved in a much more frantic fashion and climbed the stairs once again. It was so close, it could feel it! Just a little bit more and it would have it's revenge... And hopefully Damien would get the missing pieces to this bizarre puzzle.

---

Follow the wild Cyndaquil up to the Second Floor?

[Lamont]

Despite the repeated warning of misfortune and bad omens Damien went through with the attack order, watching the bellsprout fall unconscious. He made no celebratory motions or vocalizations until he had moved close to Cyrus. But even then it was a quiet compliment just for the sake of rewarding the pidgey.

With the fiery mouse not wasting any time skittering over to the stairs climbing further up the tower Damien didn't have any time to waste. The ranger walked briskly across the room with little but a nod to Cyrus, who chirped happily back before trailing after their wild ally.
"I hope you're wrong," Damien began as he reached where the Sage had kindly stood aside, "If the Elder has nothing new for me to learn then there's only one way our meeting will go. But, thank you." With a courteous bow of the head the ranger passed by Sage Neal for the stairway.

As the teen began to climb the first steps he really hoped the Elder was as calm and level headed as the man he just left behind. No, he hoped the Elder was even moreso. It was inevitable that there would be some battle between the Cyndaquil and this Sacred Sprout from what Damien figured. At the very least he could tell that much of Sage Neal's story held a ring of truth. The reasoning, however, was still foggy. The ranger would just have to see what the Elder had to say.

Word Count: 246

[Tiki]

At the top of the tower, stood a man and the Bellsprout, where they were the end of this Cyndaquil's goals. Or rather, the Cyndaquil's goal was mostly the Bellsprout, it could careless either way if the human weren't there. Looking sternly and expectantly at the stairwell, the most respected Elder could easily figured from the combination of the heavy footsteps and squeaking, who he would be facing soon.

"So you have come, Cyndaquil. You have finally made it to the top of this tower with the help of this human. And you, you must be the one aiding this Cyndaquil. Just as you two are determined to defeat my sacred Bellsprout, I am also determined to keep this Cyndaquil out of this tower. But my Bellsprout isn't alone. Come on out, Hoothoot, we've got the issue that we've been waiting for," Elder Li looked at the red and black clothed trainer, and called out his Hoothoot, who came out from hiding. Together, the Bellsprout and the Hoothoot stood, standing in the way of the Cyndaquil's grudge.

---

Elder Li sent out (Level 12) Bellsprout and (Level 10) Hoothoot!

OOC: I completely forget hwo to RP the elder

[Lamont]

There was something... odd... about that bellsprout. It almost looked like a tainted root with its yellowed color, and the symbol bright and clashing red on its head didn't help. Was it possible for a pokémon to be possessed? What a silly thought. Damien shook his mind free of wrestling with the unknown to focus on the challenge that had just presented itself. He had to admit, he wasn't expecting a bird type from the Elder.

Damien turned his head down to Cyrus, the pidgey returning with an inquisitive turn of its own. "You're up buddy." Cyrus released a determined chirp as he proceeded to hop forward to stand beside the eager Cyndaquil. It was obvious what the fire mouse was going to be after, so Damien would have pidgey face off against the Hoothoot. But first...

"None of the others were able to give me a straight answer," the ranger began as the combatants readied for the first round. "What is between this Cyndaquil and your Sacred Bellsprout?" With the way the Elder went straight into the fight he had a feeling he may not get any answers until this was all said and done. It made him slightly uncomfortable, choosing a side without all of the information, but not so much that he would step back from his current position. He had come this far, he had chosen a side from the beginning, and so far he hadn't heard or seen anything to change his mind.

Once one of the other parties had marked the official start of battle Damien would call out to Cyrus, "Quick Attack the owl!"

Word Count: 271