Ruffling Feathers [Fin]

[Lamont]

His legs trembled as if the ground was vibrating under him as he stood, hand ready to push open the gym doors for the first time, of all the times he had lurked by. This was something he needed to do to advance and there was just nothing more he could procrastinate with. Although... it had been a little while since that toxic plant had been cleaned up in Cherrygrove... maybe he could stop by and see... "No!" he spoke only to himself, shaking his head and composing himself. Taking a deep breath he steeled himself, staring at the doors to the building for a few moments before finally cracking them open.

Right away he could smell it: bird. It wasn't like a coop or anything repugnant like that, just a soft dampness clinging to the air like the pleased cooing raining down from above. He made a point of arriving when not many other bird trainers were around to hopefully make it a bit easier on his nerves, but so far everything still had him a bit on edge. Looking around it seemed there was nothing here at ground level; just an elevator up. With one last gulp of uneasiness Damien entered. The doors shuttered behind him before the box began rising into the gym. When the opened again he was up a few stories, surrounded by glass everything: for a bird's eye view. The ranger had never considered himself afraid of heights before but his first few steps onto the landing were not the most comfortable.

Clenching his fists the young lad edged forward, moving his eyes away from below him to take in the rather stunning view provided of the city from the glass encasement that was the dome roof. It certainly helped. But what would help more was settling his thoughts on getting this milestone battle over with.

"Morning," the ranger called over to the gym leader. "My name's Damien. And I-I guess you'd already know why I'm here." His introduction only made him sound half as uneasy as he truly was, the shakiness in his voice not quite managing to be fully hid.

Word Count: 358

[Midnightive]

Falkner was waiting lost in a daydream at the top of his gym, looking up at the glass roof. He would often find himself staring into the sky waiting for the next challenger to arrive. Hearing the door to his gym creek open he quickly snapped out of his daydream state and threw on a nice warming smile. While he hated being stuck in this gym day in day out, the rush of battle and the meeting of new trainers is what he loved about this job.

Greetings, Damien. You don't have to be scared, this after all is your first of many gym battles" he said softly. He slowly made his way to the battle field and stood calmly as a Pidgey flew onto his shoulder. He wondered what Pokemon this young male would have, he didn't seem the type to have electric type Pokemon ready to kill his bird Pokemon in a flash.
I'm Falkner, the Violet City Pokémon Gym Leader! I use flying types, as I wish to spread my wings and fly to be free."

He took a deep breath and sent the Pidgey forward that rested on his shoulder. Glad that formalities are out the way. But do try to relax Damien, a gym battle is only as fun as you make it!" he pointed out rather bluntly. But the gym battle was ready to start, the ball was now in Damien's court.

Gym Leader Falkner has accepted your challenge!
Falkner starts things off by sending forth Pidgey (Level 10) to battle!

[Lamont]

It seemed Falkner had the wrong idea about what was making his challenger queasy. When the well pruned pidgey flapped its way onto the gym leader's shoulder Damien winced. His eyes catching the sharp talons softly wrapping themselves into the cloth of the other's shoulder. Without thinking the ranger rose a hand to his own matching shoulder and rubbed it, as if that would quell some of his uneasiness.

Taking a deep breath the young lad proceeded further onto the landing so as to stand and face Falkner appropriately. He relaxed his shoulders during a forced exhale and was just getting himself settled into the battle mindset when the pidgey was sent forth. Flinching, Damien stuttered a step back out of instinct even though the little avian was perching itself rather far away. He clutched his heart, quietly chuckling at how foolish he must have looked; and Falkner certainly noticed given the comment he made afterward.
"S-Sorry," the ranger began as he composed himself. His embarrassment showed with bright red cheeks. He continued, "I'm just not very... comfortable... around birds. But I won't let that get in the way!" Damien built up a little confidence at the end as he reached for his first pokémon to begin the fight. Grabbing the final ball on his belt he tossed the red-white device over the field.
"Alright Booker, let's go!"

In the usual flash of light, a spunky Lillipup formed from the pokéball's eruption. The little dog hopped back and forth playfully, excitedly barking at the bird seated across from him. Just the sight of the furry little canine brought a warm smile to the boy's face.
"Let's just get right to it." After a brief pause he called out the move for the first round, "Use Ice Fang!"

Word Count: 297

[Noerd]

As his Pidgey flew forth into the Gym’s unique battlefield, Falkner quickly noted Damien’s reaction. A look of total shock etched on his face, he stood stock still and let his brain process the situation before uttering a word. “I see… your nerves weren’t because of this Gym then, they were caused by my Pokémon? That’s a little unfortunate, Damien. I have to wonder what could’ve caused this fear… but I shan’t ask. That’s your business and not mine.” Thinking for a moment, Falkner considered this new information with care. Even if Damien had been determined not to let his fear get the better of him, it was still going to cause him quite some distress just going through with this battle. At the same time, to refuse to battle was doing the challenger a disservice. It wasn’t Falkner’s job to judge if his opponent was ready to fight, merely to test if he was ready to win. “Very well then, let’s get on with the battle. But please, let me know if it gets too much for you. The last thing I want is to cause a panic attack.” Falkner smiled, anticipating the battle ahead quite eagerly.

Damien’s new Lillipup appeared in front of him, and Falkner’s face lit up at the trainer’s response to his companion. He said nothing, but he noticed a change in Damien’s expression that put him somewhat at ease. This ease was quickly unsettled when he heard Booker’s first order. “Ice Fang?! That’s-” Falkner knew all too well that Ice Fang was a rare move for Lillipup to learn. It was unusual for a trainer to have Egg Moves so early in their adventure, to say the least. “We’ll have to take this guy seriously after all, Pidgey! Let’s see how they handle a Sand Attack!” Pidgey chirped happily and flew forward towards Booker, dipping its left wing toward the ground. As it approached, the bird kicked up dust with said wing, blinding the canine a little and bringing a little yelp of surprise from him.

“This is the strength of my Pokémon, Damien. Reducing your accuracy and your efficiency. Pidgey learns Sand Attack from a young age, so you could call that move its bread and butter.” Falkner smirked, pride oozing from every word he spoke. However, Booker was having none of this. His mouth beaming a bright white, he opened his little mouth and chomped down hard on the wing that had just blinded him. Pidgey cried out in agony, as the Super Effective strike quickly left its impact. “Pidgey! Are you alright?” Pidgey glared at its trainer, as if letting him know how stupid a question that was. “Impressive, Damien. I can’t believe you’ve got an Egg Move on your Lillipup… how did you get him?” Falkner was clearly enjoying this battle quite a lot, even in these early stages.

VS. Leader Falkner

---

Falkner’s Pidgey | Level 10
Health: 55% (17/31 HP)
Status: Normal
Pidgey used Sand Attack!
“OK? Yes, just cold and in dire pain. Stupid trainer.”

VS

Booker | Level 9
Health: 100% (29/29 HP)
Status: -1 Accuracy
Booker used Ice Fang!
“Omnomnom! Eat Pidgey, win. Easy.”

---

[Lamont]

Panic attack. He knew his discomfort and flinching at the simple sudden movements of the pidgey gliding into the soon-to-be battle field were obvious, but boy did those words put things into perspective. How was he going to continue on, traveling across the region and training himself to protect others, if he continued quail at the mere sight of the smallest of bird pokémon? Pidgeys, even Spearow, weren't anywhere near the fiercest of birds he was likely to encounter on his journey. In his thoughts Damien brought a hand to touch his scarred cheek, fingers running across the slick darker tissue of the facial blemish. It wasn't very big but it was a thing constantly on his mind whenever the faintest flutter of wings reached his ears. Thankfully Falkner didn't pry.

Focusing on the battle was certainly helping, his thoughts all on his lillipup standing between him and the avian. It also just made it easier being that the opposing bird was a pidgey and not a spearow. His time with Cyrus had definitely aided in getting accustomed to seeing the familiar tan brown feathers. But this pidgey of Falkner's was a bit more bold. It's sharper features, primed for battle, were hard to miss; especially when the fierce little bird gave its silent reply to its trainer's concern. A shiver rolled down his spine just imagining the squinted glare under those bushy eyebrow-feathers.

"Hm..? Oh!" The ranger took a second to process the gym leader's question as his mind broke away from mental images. It was a good thing Falkner wasn't in a rush or Damien could have snapped back into focus with his lillipup on the receiving end of a free attack thanks to the ranger's distraction. "I saved him with the help of a youngster during the last hail storm. Poor little guy was beat up and nearly frozen solid." Booker released a happy bark, momentarily glancing back at his trainer before needing to blink excessively as some of the sand agitated his eyes. The canine grumbled and attempted to rub some of it out, but that likely only made it worse. Damien debated mentioning the part that happened after that, with the Rocket member, but he has already alerted the authorities and surely Violet's gym leader wouldn't fall victim. That and Falkner's mention of 'egg move' hinted toward the experience not being relevant to the indirect inquiry of how Damien came into possession of the pup with a rare early move.

"Your pidgey's pretty strong," the young lad shifted the conversation a bit. "Handled the ice fang well. I was hoping that'd be my ticket to get through this quick," he admitted somewhat bashfully to his naive hope of a one-shot knock out. That sand attack could be a big problem. Hopefully Booker would be able to work through it.

"Ready Booker? Again, Ice Fang!"

Word Count: 479

[Morrigan]

vs Gym Leader Falkner
__________________________________

When opponents came in with unusual Pokemon and unique attacks, it always became that much more enjoyable. He was tired with young trainers marching in with Mareep, using the sheep's woollen coat to shock his birds with electricity but Damien had taken a completely different approach. Although the boys nerves around his flying Pokemon saddened Falkner somewhat, he could only assume that there was a rational explanation for how Damien was. Falkner was merely a Gym Leader, a strong trainer who had the power and authority to test fellow trainers and hand over a badge upon defeat. He had no right or reason to pry into someone else's personal life, especially when it came down to flying Pokemon. Just because he adored them, didn't mean that everyone else did. Instead, he listened with great intrigue as Damien explained just how he acquired Booker. Lillipup were rare enough, let alone the fact that it had such a cool, strong move.

"I see. It is a good thing you were there to save him, in his time of need." Looking up, Falkner pondered, he did recall a time where the hail was particularly heavy recently. "But still, to also have an attack such as Ice Fang.. That is very impressive indeed!" Ice was effective against his Pokemon and even though the weakness was there, atleast it was something other than electricity. Infact, Falkner smiled proudly at Damien's remark, as he mentioned his surprise about Pidgey surviving the earlier chomp. "Hmhm! Myself and my Pokemon have trained against all manner of opponents, in a variety of climates.. You wont defeat us so easily!" Finding this battle exciting, it was nice to know that he had stalled an opponents original plan. Plus, with Pidgey's earlier Sand Attack, there was a chance that the next attack would miss completely. "This time, go in with a Gust, Pidgey!" Bellowing his order after Damien had, the avian took to the air, swooping over the head of the Lillipup.

Grabbing Booker's attention, the small bird began to manically flap it's wings, whipping up a rush of wind and sand. Whooshing across the Lillipup, the fierce gush of wind rattled the pup but he was by no means ready to give up or roll over. Through his blurred vision, the Lillipup waited for just the right time to pounce, as the Pidgey swooped back down to land. Fangs encased with a frosty chill, the attack connected and most importantly, was enough to finish the Pidgey off. Disappointed but still rearing to go, Falkner released a subtle sigh before withdrawing his Pidgey. "Very good, Damien. But let's see how you handle my next choice." Lifting up a second Pokeball, he tossed it forward to this time reveal a Pidgeotto.

---

Pidgey: | Level 10 |
Health: 0% (0/31 HP)
Status: Normal
Pidgey used Gust but fainted!

VS

Booker: | Level 9 | Leftovers
Health: 75% (22/29 HP)
Status: -1 Acc
Booker used Ice Fang!
Regained health from Leftovers!

---

Congratulations!
Gym Leader Falkner's Pidgey was defeated!


Booker gained 3 levels and grew to Level 12!
Booker is able to learn Baby-doll Eyes and Helping Hand! Forget a move?


Seraph gained 1 level (due to holding Exp Share) and grew to Level 11!

___________________________


Gym Leader Falkner changes to Pidgeotto (Level 15)!
Switch Pokemon or Continue?

[Lamont]

The comment on different climate training made Damien think. He hadn't ever really considered how tough it must be to be a gym leader. Of course Falkner would have had to prepare his own pokémon for trainers waltzing in with a type advantage. It probably happened all the time. Unlike encountering a random trainer on the road a gym leader was always here; always with the same type. It was possible to prepare for them, and as such make it as easy as possible. Thus it only made sense that such a simple plan to win, by type advantage, wasn't ever going to be as easy as it seemed versus someone like Falkner. He was ready for it; expecting it.

Damien watched as the swift pidgey summoned up a rapid whirl of wind to batter Booker around a bit before getting caught in the pup's icy bite. That signaled the end of the first set of pokémon for this bout. Falkner wasted no time in recalling his companion, the pidgey disappearing from the field. But the guy didn't seem too disheartened, his next words coming off with a sense of pride before he threw out his next combatant: Pidgeotto. Now that was a bird of prey.

A tingling itching up his legs, Damien did his best to stand his ground in the face of such an elegant predator. He just had to keep imagining it as gentle as Cyrus... and remember that he had a pokémon of his own now to stand between him and the bird. Though the pidgeotto's mere presence did make it a bit difficult to think. Worry about the negative effect the sand attack would have on his Lillipup for an extended battle made the ranger bite his lip tentatively.
"Well we'll do our best. Come back Booker," he called out as he reached for the canine's pokéball. The lillipup disappeared from the field with a happy waggle of its tiny bushy tail, and was replaced by something much different. "Go, Alexis!"

Popping into view was the stubby form of golett, fist pumping into the air excitedly with the other on its hip. Damien had no experience with this ghostly protector, but what better time to start than now? Briefly before walking in he had reviewed the pokédex's information on his newly acquired pokémon so he had faith the little golem would be able to chip away some of the pidgeotto's energy. But perhaps he was underestimating the well-groomed bird.

"At the very least I'll try to keep it interesting for you," Damien commented with a smile to Falkner. Afterward he switched back into battle focus. Or at least what he could muster considering the occasional shifty glance at the opposing pokémon. "Use Rollout!" It was pretty risky, being that the golett was then endlessly rolling around without a chance of items or recall until it was done... but ghost and ground moves wouldn't be at all effective against the normal/flying types if he remembered correctly. He just had to have faith Alexis wouldn't miss and could last a couple exchanges with Falkner's second pokémon.

Word Count: 519

((Booker will not learn any new moves))

[Noerd]

Falkner’s Pidgeotto was quite the magnificent bird, flapping its wings majestically as it hovered in the air. It made the whole process of flight seem completely effortless. This Pokémon was Falkner’s pride and joy, as one could tell simply by looking at the expression on its trainer’s face. The Leader stood still for a moment, reminiscing about his long and arduous efforts to catch this beast. Pidgeotto began to fly in circles in the air as Damien recalled his Lillipup, which seemed to bring Falkner back to the battle at hand. “Interesting. Taking the safer option and switching out the Pokémon with lowered accuracy. A little caution is often wise, I find.” Falkner mused, his words echoing throughout the mostly-empty stadium. The replacement for Damien’s faithful pup was another incredibly rare Pokémon, a Golett. Falkner gasped in amazement. “First Lillipup, now a Golett?” He flashed his opponent a smirk before continuing. “I am astounded. I don’t believe I’ve ever seen this Pokémon up close. I can only hope you’ll show me all I need to know in this battle.”

Falkner continued to marvel over Alexis, thoroughly captivated by the little automaton. Of course, such a being wasn’t at all like the Pokémon that Falkner preferred to train, but that didn’t mean he wasn’t incredibly fascinated by it. In fact, quite the opposite. One of the greatest pleasures a Gym Leader could enjoy was to learn about Pokémon that they’d never had the chance to look at before. He had plenty of knowledge about Golett, but that was merely what he had managed to read about them. A vague idea of the moves they could learn and a simple description of the Pokémon themselves. Far more than that was needed to really understand the creatures, and now he had a perfect chance to look over one in the flesh. His heart skipped a beat at the mere thought of the battle ahead. He fully expected to be defeated, but he didn’t care. As a Gym Leader, he was quite used to the taste of defeat by now, after all.

Damien’s opponent spent so long staring at Alexis that he didn’t give himself much time at all to think about his first move. Once he’d realised what he was doing, Falkner snapped back into the real world and called out his first orders for Pidgeotto. “Pidgeotto, my friend, let’s begin this battle with a mighty Gust!” An attack finally given, Pidgeotto descended to Alexis’s level and quickly got to work. Flapping its wings, it built up wave after wave of powerful winds, each one buffeting Alexis and bringing a few grunts from the surprisingly animate robot. Despite the clear effectiveness of the move, Falkner had a rather serious look on his face. He wasn’t taking this new adversary lightly. Once the Gust had died down, Alexis made its own move. Curling up into a ball – well, as much of a ball as a Golett could form – it started rolling toward Pidgeotto rather slowly. The Ghost/Ground type gathered speed gently, but it would take a while before it was at a killer pace. In fact, it wouldn’t be reaching that speed this time around, as Pidgeotto simply rose back up in the air to dodge the move. Not feeling an impact, Alexis uncurled its body and looked behind it. Were it organic, it might have blushed here. “Rollout is most certainly a powerful move, if a little unreliable. Certainly a good move to have in the wings here when your Pokémon is a Ghost/Ground combination. We could be in trouble.” Falkner remarked, flashing a small piece of knowledge about his opposition but still looking impressed with Damien’s newest combatant.

VS. Leader Falkner

---

Falkner's Pidgeotto | Level 15
Health: 100% (48/48 HP)
Status: Normal
Pidgeotto used Gust!

VS

Alexis | Level 10
Health: 65% (22/34 HP)
Status: Normal
Alexis used Rollout! But it missed!

---

[Lamont]

Dang, well his hopes were dashed for that all running smoothly. That pidgeotto was just a little too fast... and it wouldn't take long for the avian to chip through Alexis' defenses. Honestly Golett took the hit better than he was expecting but it still wouldn't be long before the bird claimed victory. Maybe there was something he could do to help... A while ago he had gotten some battle items...

Quickly bringing his bag around the ranger zipped open the relevant section of his bag and pulled out an X Sp. Def. He had bee planning on just selling this thing but he might as well make some use of it here. "Hey Alexis," he called as the little automaton made its way back after its less than advantageous exchange with the pidgeotto. "Here, maybe this will help." He applied the item's effects as quick as he could, backing off with the expectation that Falkner would take advantage of the time. Following up afterward, Damien used a Potion as his next action in the combat. He had no idea if this delay for item usage would pan out at all as it was something he'd never bothered with before, but it was certainly worth a try.

Word Count: 176

[Noerd]

Falkner’s Pidgeotto was proving every bit as tough as a Gym Leader’s ace Pokémon could be expected to be, and Damien’s little Golett was reeling from the early exchanges. Falkner watched as Damien reached into his bag and pulled out a battle item. His eyes widened slightly; this wasn’t something that most trainers came into his Gym with. However, he was very much aware of these items and their powers. The X Sp Def was going to give Alexis a little more resilience, hopefully enough to weather the Gusts in the future. As the item was applied to Alexis in a particularly vague manner, Falkner nodded approvingly. “I’ll take it as a compliment that you’re being so cautious, Damien. I have to say, I rarely see the use of these Battle Items in my Gym. They’re sorely underrated, I fear. Pidgeotto, let’s give this Golett another Gust to worry about!” Pidgeotto descended back down toward the arena and let loose another powerful Gust attack. Alexis dug its heels into the wooden flooring, now much more able to resist the powers of Pidgeotto. The Leader continued to nod, fully expecting the newfound strength that he was witnessing.

Even while this Gust was carrying on, Damien was rustling about in his bag once again for an item. Falkner looked eagerly over at his opponent, craning his neck over to try and see what was about to come out. The ever-recognisable Potion soon became visible, and as Pidgeotto’s storm died down it let out a sigh. This would be another long haul with no real reward, wouldn’t it? Its trainer quickly tried to settle it a little. “Now now, Pidgeotto, we’ve still got a long way to go. Don’t lose hope yet; we’re still very much in this battle.” Damien sprayed the healing concoction over his robot servant, who instantly looked rejuvenated. If a lifeless machine can look rejuvenated, that is. If not, it looked less dented. Deal with it. Pidgeotto didn’t look impressed, and almost started to attack without command. Fortunately, Falkner was quick off the mark. “Use Gust once more, Pidgeotto. We can wear this thing down, for sure.” Pidgeotto nodded and whipped up one third Gust attack, which continued to beat away at Golett’s hard exoskeleton. The machine was proving difficult to best now, but Falkner had yet more words for his latest challenger. “Of course, you can resist all you want… but you still have to beat us, Damien. The real battle can begin now, so show us what you can do!”

VS. Leader Falkner

---

Falkner's Pidgeotto | Level 15
Health: 100% (48/48 HP)
Status: Normal
Pidgeotto used Gust twice!

VS

Alexis | Level 10
Health: 71% (24/34 HP)
Status: +1 Sp. Def
X Sp. Def and Potion were used!

---

[Both items deducted from inventory. Slightly leaning on the fourth wall there, but sod it. I write what I want to write. :p]

[Lamont]

"I have to admit I don't think about them myself most times," the ranger absentmindedly replied to Falkner's comment regarding the usage of battle items. This gym battle was proving to be quite the learning experience. Even if he ended up losing this one he wouldn't walk away with the same outlook on battling. There was certainly more to it than just calling the appropriate attack.

The battle continued, another gust whipping about his little Golett. But that was to be expected, thus the planned usage of his potion. Of course, that brief moment of being fully rejuvenated didn't last long as the eager pidgeotto unleashed another wave of razor winds. Thankfully it appeared the increase in special defense was doing it's thing as Alexis still looked pretty good. Not great mind you but, good enough; hopefully. Honestly he kinda wanted to use another potion but that was probably just his mild avian fear talking.
"We'll try not to disappoint!" he called back to Falkner, the banter assisting in keeping his mind in the game in the face of that evolved bird. "Come on Alexis. I know you can do it this time, Rollout!" he cried with a hand flinging out to indicate their opponent.

Word Count: 205

[Morrigan]

vs Gym Leader Falkner
__________________________________

The potion used by the opposing trainer had brought an irate sigh out from the avians beak but for Falkner, a longer battle meant that he could study his foe a bit more. Damien had some interesting Pokemon and better yet, he was showing signs of strategies. He had already used an Ice type attack on his Pidgey earlier, which was a different sight for the blue haired Gym Leader than the usual crackles of thunder and now he was using specific items. Raising the defence of the Golett so that it would be able to withstand the attacks from the Pidgeotto that bit better, Damien's actions were certainly impressing Falkner. Folding his arms lightly, he couldn't help but let out an amused laugh at the aspiring ranger's honesty. "-Ahaha! Hah.. ha.. Y-Yes! I suppose I too, am guilty of not always using items. But remember, they can really pull you out of a dangerous situation." Calming himself down, he put on more of a serious yet thoughtful front, "From healing, to stat boosting, to making your Pokemon happy. There are items out there for all types of situations. It is positive to see a trainer using them efficiently."

Giving an acknowledging nod to Damien, Falkner needed to step his game up if he hoped for any chance of winning. He was aware of the attack the Golett was trying to do and as soon as it got a rhythm going, his Pidgeotto would be in for a world of hurt. Holding his slightly closed hand up to his lips, Falkner pondered for a moment before looking up and giving his order. "Pidgeotto, use Mud Slap, this time!" Cooing loudly, the brown avian swooped forward, closing the space between itself and Alexis before landing back on the ground. Turning it's body, the Pidgeotto kicked at the ground, up heaving a wave of dirt and sand which flew through the air and struck the opponent head on. Shuddering on the spot, the almost mechanical Alexis whirred before rolling forward and coiling itself into a ball like shape. With a sudden rush of energy, the Golett rolled forward, coiled body bounding straight for the Pidgeotto. Squawking, the Gym echoed with the sound of the two Pokemon colliding, Alexis tackling straight into the chest of the bird before circling around the Gym floor. The attack had finally hit but the Golett's movements were a bit off still, as if it had lowered accuracy.

---

Pidgeotto: | Level 15 |
Health: 79% (38/48 HP)
Status: Normal
Pidgeotto used Mud Slap!

VS

Alexis: | Level 10 |
Health: 59% (20/34 HP)
Status: +1 Sp. Def, -1 Acc
Alexis used Rollout!

[Lamont]

Hearing the praise from the gym leader Damien couldn't help but feel encouraged, a certain pride in knowing that he was on the right path for becoming more than just a boy with a pet. It was something more hearing it come from a trainer as experienced as Falkner. "Thank you." He voiced his appreciation as the battle raged on between their two pokémon. It seemed the bird trainer had a few of his own tricks up his sleeve.

Mud slap was not something he thought he'd ever see a pidgeotto do, proving evermore that Falkner's training to overcome his pokémon's weaknesses was brilliant. It was just as good as sand-attack, clouding the enemies vision in a wet slap that was harder to shrug off than the bits of dust and irritating granules. Against an electric type it would certainly turn the tables and give pidgeotto an edge to victory. Thankfully Alexis was a ground type already so the damaging effect was minuscule. But Damien had a strong feeling that inflicting damage was merely a secondary effect in this case. The lowered accuracy for the ongoing bulldozing of Damien's plan would be more of a problem.

Somehow Alexis managed to land a grazing hit on the proud bird despite the lowered chance of hitting. The ranger cheered lightly for his golett, hoping the continued support would help in some way to overcome the muddy veil dripping over the automaton's eye sockets.
"Great job! Keep that up, Alexis! Do your best to try and track the pidgeotto's wing beats." It sounded a bit silly, but he wanted to offer something to help with the poor sight thanks to the mud slap. Following sound wouldn't be perfect though either, considering most of the time the bird was in the air. Maybe he shouldn't have said anything... it might end up just confusing his poor little golem into another miss.

Word Count: 317

[Megan]

Falkner was impressed by the young ranger's abilities so early in his travels. Not only has he shown impressive abilities in understanding items and using them properly, but his tactics are sharp as well. Falkner observed as the ranger, named Damien, while he instructed his Golett on what to do next, and how to make sure that the attack still lands with a hit. A smirk played on the Gym Leader's lips, "Very smart instructing your Golett to listen and not always rely on it's site. Well we'll just have to see how that works out, hopefully you have practiced that." He paused for a moment thinking about what his next attack would be, "well I suppose I will take my chances and continue this battle with a little Gust." Falkner finally said glancing to his Pidgeotto, "What do you say big guy?" Falkner asked and the Pidgeotto cooed it's acceptance of the idea and took off into the sky.


The large bird climbed up into the sky and hovered for a moment before letting its wings pick up speed and begin to blow the dirt and debris around the gym specifically directed to the blue chunk of rock. The winds buffeted Alexis and but seemed to come out okay from the attack as it quickly curled into a ball and hurled itself across the gym floor. Trying to pin point the birds location in the wind and feather rustling, a bit of the mud that was still stuck to its body and with the kick up of dust and debris slid a bit while rolling and caused a bit of a problem, the golem took it's best shot and launched itself at the direction it thought the avian was in. Unfortunately though it came up with too much gusto and was not able to pin point the avian's exact location before landing back on the ground. Rolling back over to Damien a missed attack was not going to change the tides of the battle just yet. Falkner clapped, "The effort was there, but the execution was, well, sloppy."

---

Pidgeotto: | Level 15 |
Health: 79% (38/48 HP)
Status: Normal
Pidgeotto used Gust!

VS

Alexis: | Level 10 |
Health: 38% (13/34 HP)
Status: +1 Sp. Def, -1 Acc
Alexis used Rollout! Alexis missed.

[Lamont]

Seeing the Rollout miss, while a bit discouraging, wasn't wholly unexpected. Damien didn't have too high of hopes regarding Alexis actually winning this thing alone, but this was the first time battling beside the golett so he wanted to make it a bit more than just a quick switch-in test run amidst his more familiar pokémon. Falkner may have picked up on it with his comment about 'practicing that'. The ranger made half a quiet laugh to himself in response, scratching the back of his head for a moment. A smarter trainer may have done that... instead of bringing Alexis in nearly immediately after obtaining it.

This battle was so much learning at once though he had to remind himself that this was a fight for his first badge; it was serious. A telling of his capabilities on the fly and how he can adapt to surprises, such as the pidgeotto having mud slap. As the battle waged on his mind fell further away from his discomfort with birds and more into how he was going to overcome this challenge.
"That mud is certainly doing the trick," he called back to Falkner after the latest exchange of attacks. Damien looked to his little mechanized pokémon. The golett was definitely nearing the end of its energy, not quite on last legs but rather wobbly. Not exactly a good sign for being able to land another hit rolling around. He could probably try to let Alexis have another go but that would be cutting it dangerously close to watching the automaton faint.

"It's okay Alexis, you did just as I'd hoped. Come back." The young lad held out the assigned pokéball for Alexis, of who twisted around and gave an acknowledging clap before recalling back home. There was an unfortunate break in the fight while Damien hesitated on who to bring out next: Booker again, or Turret? With an unsure sigh he wrapped his fingers around his first pokéball and tossed it into the ring; revealing his wartortle raring to go.

"If Alexis had been lucky enough to get your pidgeotto another time I might've sent out Booker again, but since we can't outdo your speed we'll just compensate with some higher defense," he blabbed to the gym leader confidently. While he certainly wanted to train his lower level pokémon this evolved avian was just going to much for them to handle without high risk. Making this a job for his trusty starter.
"Ready Turret?" he called out excitedly, the turtle returning with a shout himself and pumping his stubby arms into the air. "Sorry to keep you waiting, Falkner. Let's finish this." A large smile plastered across his face, Damien instructed Turret to make a Bite attack after the pidgeotto had made its swift attack in advantage of the switch out.

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