Steadfast and sure[F]

[Lamont]

A familiar purple blur met them as the grass parted and another little rat flew to a stand before the mighty Alpha. At first it may have warranted a sigh or eye roll. Just another Rattata here to fight them, possibly as vengeance for its fallen friend the duo had just captured. But anyone thinking such a thing would be met with surprise as a young boy burst through the near bushes with an excited cry.

"Whoa Rattata! You're getting too fast for--Ah!" the boy skidded to a stop as his eyes fell upon a fellow trainer in a stand-off with his own pokémon, of who had taken to nattering away with a bristle to his fur. "Oh jeeze sorry! We almost ran you over there," the youngster put a hand to his head, adjusting his cap slightly. There wasn't really any truth to his words but he was a cheery fellow obviously proud of his pokémon's speed. "The name's Samuel."

A wide grin grew across face as he continued to look to Marchbaby. "Hehe. What'd yah say to a friendly battle? You know the saying: when Trainer's eyes meet we have to battle!" he smiled, rubbing a finger under his nose. The Rattata squeaked in agreement, bowing down into an offensive stance.

Youngster Samuel has challenged March to a fight!


He sent out Rattata (Lv 19)

Choose a pokémon to battle

[Marchbaby]

Marchbaby was about ready to send Alpha into battle as he saw Rattata until he saw this one had a trainer. Knowing that it was not another wild Rattata he held off on using Alpha for the time being until he could assess the situation, as he did it was apparent that this Rattata was indeed stronger than the last and it would not be so easy to beat. Wanting to bide his time until he made up his mind Marchbaby started to talk to the young boy. " No worries at all, I am used to things like that happening, my name is Marchbaby of the Blackthorn clan. I am only an apprentice for now but either way it is nice to meet you." He said as Shocker made it's way over to Rattata.

" I would never turn down a friendly battle and it looks like Shocker has already made the decision of which Pokemon I will use first for me already, that sure was easy enough. Shocker here has been with me a long time now so I do hope you are ready for quite a show." Shocker began to twist it's magnets in an effort to build up it's energy before the battle could get underway, it wanted to make sure that Rattata could not catch it off guard knowing how strong their bite could be. As Shocker maxed out it's energy Marchbaby was prepared to give young Samuel a show he would not forget anytime soon, Shocker wanted to do the same. With no further reason to delay the battle any further Marchbaby was ready to get things started.

" It has been quite a long time since Shocker has had a chance to have this much fun." As he said that a beam of ice, fire, and electricity formed in front of the magnet Pokemon ,the three elements came together as one powerful stream as  Shocker got ready to launch it's attack. " Shocker now is the time to show your true strength, I may only be a dragon apprentice but even then we are known for our strength, show our new friend here just how powerful we are with your Tri Attack and give it your all." With Shocker receiving it's orders it fired the elemental beam at Rattata with every bit of power it could muster in hopes of giving Samuel a small taste of it's power.

Ooc: Shocker uses Tri Attack on Rattata.

[Dan]

“Hahah awesome!” The boy cheered, happy that the dragon tamer had accepted his request. “Blackthorn clan? Are you a disciple from the dragon tamers of Johto?” Very few trainers had dragon types in these parts and the fact that the young boy would meet a tamer would be a once in a lifetime chance. “Is Magneton your first Pokemon? Rattata was mine, we’ve been best friends ever since!” The boy smiled, looking down at his rat. The purple Pokemon smiled back at the boy, happy to be in such a loving rapport with its trainer. This Rattata was unlike many others, instead of a nasty disposition, it had a warm and excited vibe to it. It ran around in circles, chasing its tail. It was certainly excited for battle!

“Rattata, let’s focus!” The Pokemon nodded and went back to the battle stance it once had. It sure did get distracted easily! Before Sam could even order Rattata to move, the Magneton acted. Each of the steel spheres fired out their own elemental power. One ice, fire, and thunder ball attached into a deadly triangle, eradicating the poor rat. “Jeeez! Your Pokemon sure is strong! I didn’t stand a chance! I’m not done yet though!” The youngin’ threw out a Sandshrew to battle next!

---

Shocker gained 950 exp! Shocker gained 1 level and is now level 31! Shocker gained 1 happiness!

Sam sent out a Sandshrew (level 22)!

[Marchbaby]

Quite impressed by Shocker's power Marchbaby was pleased with how the first round had gone. A single hit was all it took to knock out Rattata. As Samuel stood in amazement of the one hit knockout decided to engage in more small talk as he weighed his options. " I am indeed, I have been studying dragons for most of my life and I even managed to obtain one in a contest a while back however I do not have her on me at the moment." As he took another moment to give Shocker a moment to recover some of it's energy he proceeded to answer Samuel's next question. " No Shocker was not my first but I did run into it a long time ago in Vherrygrove back when Magnemite still called that area home. From what I hear the population there is gone now so I am glad I got Shocker when I did ,it has been an amazing partner in so many battles now." 

Reacting to his opponent switching Pokemon he decided a switch was in his best interest as well. " Shocker is one of my stronger Pokemon but I feel like this is a good time to let Alpha have another go as it needs to catch up with the rest of my team. I managed to get it from a trainer I met in the Ruins of Alph. He said his name was Steven Stone and though the name did not ring a bell he did have a powerful aura. Just being near him was quite unnerving, a simple trade allowed me to acquire Alpha who has been a huge help as well." As he finished speaking poor Samuel's ear off he realized it was time once again to make his move.

He knew it was a pretty big risk sending out a steel type against a ground type but something told him it was worth the risk. Alpha really needed more training and taking a risk like this might just help the wise Pokemon out. Before he could say anything however Alpha began to speak. " This is a pretty risky choice to make master I do hope you realize this, either way I am at your command, what are your orders?" Without giving another though to the risk Marchbaby quickly replied saying " Use Confusion on Sandshrew." Hoping the risk would not come back to haunt him. 

Ooc: Alpha uses Confusion on Sandshrew.

[Lamont]

---

"Oh wow! You get to meet some cool people Marchbaby," the boy gasped when Steven was described to him. He'd heard dragon tamers were a whole level of trainers all on their own but being in March's presence had finally made that start setting in as more than just a rumor. The boy grinned happily, flicking his nose with his thumb in confidence. "I don't know if I can beat you but we're going to give it our best! Right Sandshrew?" The sand mouse chattered in agreement, curling his little fists up with excitement at such a powerful opponent. This would certainly be a test of their skills.

"Alright Sandshrew we gotta get rolling!" Samuel thrust his arm out toward Alpha, but that was about all they had time to do before the psychic-steel sent forth his wave of confusion. A swarm of color and distortion overtook Sandshrew in an instant, knocking the little guy off his feet. After a moment, groaning, the ground type shook its head and shuffled to stand. The hit was a solid one, obviously taking a lot out of Samuel's pokémon, but he was far from done. The yellow mouse dove forward, curling into a perfectly round ball in the air, and began rolling faster and faster toward Alpha. When near Sandshrew shot into the air and managed to catch the metang off guard. With a loud bang the hardened ground type bounced off of Alpha; but the sound was worse than the impact. Alpha's natural armor absorbed majority of the damage, but it appeared Sandshrew wasn't through with his attack as he remained balled up and rolling around.

Trainer Battle

---

Sandshrew | Level 22 |
Health : 55% (33/60)
Status : Normal
Used Rollout!

VS

Alpha | Level 24 |
Health : 95% (67/70)
Status : Normal
Used Confusion!

[Marchbaby]

After a thrilling first round Marchbaby as Alpha were pumped up. As excited as they were however the battle was far from over. It would take some time for Alpha to bring down Samuel's Pokemon but the steel type refused to let that stop it from going on until victory was at hand. " Though my powers may not be fully utilized at the moment my current strength is still enough to overcome most of the challenges I face, this Sandshrew is pretty strong to shake off a Confusion like that but I do wonder how much more it can take. As much as it tried that Rollout barely scratched my armor and I will gladly take another hit if that is what it comes down to." Alpha said as it assessed the situation at hand.

It understood fully that this next round would not likely be the lend of Sandshrew as the mouse still appeared to be in rather good shape though Alpha had the upper hand currently. Marchbaby could not hold back his excitement nonetheless as he congratulated Alpha on a great first round. " So far so good Alpha, that Confusion was not half bad, I cannot wait for you to learn Zen Headbutt. Once you do things will really become good for us. For now though Confusion was acceptable for the time being. Keep up the great work." As Aplha began to focus on the battle again it could sense things really heating up. The young steel type did not have long to react as it knew Sandshrew would try to strike again as soon as it could despite it's first attack being nearly worthless.

" I am ready for orders again whenever you are ready to give them, I am having so much fun though I hope our foe does not mind having it's head messed with as my Confusion is not so fun for those targeted by it." Marchbaby just smiled as he looked over at Samuel. The young boy had done a great job raising this Sandshrew and he hoped the battle would continue to grow even more intense as it went on. " I have met some pretty strong trainers and I must say that Sandshrew is really impressive. If it were not for Alpha's armor I would be really worried about now. Alpha use Confusion again and let's see how things go from there." He said as Alpha began to make it's move again.

Ooc: Alpha uses Confusion on Sandshrew.

[Lamont]

---

Even though his little sandshrew hadn't succeeded in doing much damage whilst taking a bunch in return, Samuel was still just as excited as ever. He cheered for just the battle in general with side notes for his own pokémon. "Haha! Oh wow this is great. Your pokémon is super strong, March." The boy was practically jumping into the air. "Great work Sandshrew, don't give up! We'll get through on the next one." Samuel was depending on the rising strength of his ground type's attack. The trick was not missing.

Alpha watched the rolling ball of yellow carefully, tracking the movements and predicting the path. It would be difficult to get a good confusion attack off with such rapid rolling if Alpha didn't time it just right... and there it was! On one of the little jumps off of the bumpy natural terrain Sandshrew's face was  exposed for a moment. Alpha wasted no time and sent forth another wave of confusion, slapping the sandshrew harshly. As the little mouse landed there was a light disruption of its rhythm but Sandshrew pushed through and made a beeline for Alpha.  Within a couple seconds the ground type once again smashed into Alpha's steel body but once again it did minimal damage.


Trainer Battle

---

Sandshrew | Level 22 | Sand Veil
Health : 16% (10/60)
Status : Normal
Used Rollout (2/5)!

VS

Alpha | Level 24 | Clear Body
Health : 88% (62/70)
Status : Normal
Used Confusion!

[Marchbaby]

Feeling really confident in Alpha after  scoring another big hit he was sure that Alpha had gained a substantial advantage over it's opponent. " This battle is exhilarating, I think Sandshrew is having a really hard time keeping up. Even though that last rollout was indeed more powerful than the first one I hardly felt a thing." Alpha said as it analyzed it's foe trying to estimate the shape it was in. Alpha was in considerably good shape given the fact that it's armor had been struck by two rollouts and they barely left a dent. The steel type was having no trouble at all up to this point but the battle was not done and there was still a small glimmer of hope for Sandshrew. With that taken into consideration Marchbaby had to plan carefully for the next round.

He did not know why Sandshrew still had not used a ground type move as it would do a ton of damage to Alpha, Marchbaby was pretty sure by now that Sandshrew did not know one so staying on the offensive remained his favorite option until he was proven wrong. " Keep up the amazing work Alpha you have Sandshrew on the ropes, just one more attack should be enough to grant you victory." Alpha then closed the gap between itself and Sandshrew to give it as little time to react as it could. Knowing that rollout would be even stronger this round it wanted to make this the round it knocked it out before the rodent could strike again. Alpha started to concentrate all of it's psychic energy on Sandshrew believing it had enough power now to finally knock it out.

 " I am ready to unleash another attack. I have stored all the psychic energy I possibly can, I cannot hold this power long, give me your orders so I may make use of this energy, I will not hold anything back." As Alpha waited Marchbaby looked over at Samuel feeling a bit bad about showing the poor kid no restraint as Alpha continued to attack his Pokemon. " This battle has been a real blast, I hope you have more Pokemon as I am not ready for this battle to be over yet but I shall not delay Alpha's victory just because I want to prolong this battle. Alpha you are clear to engage with Confusion again. Use every bit of psychic energy you have left so you can claim your victory."

Ooc: Alpha uses Confusion on Sandshrew.

[Lamont]

---

Fists clenched with anticipation the Youngster watched his rolling mouse eagerly. Even though there was little hope Samuel still believed in the sliver of a chance; even if it didn't do him much good this time around. Alpha unleashed another spray of colorful energy into the ground pokémon. Sandshrew squeaked in defiance, its roll wobbly and form flattening as it struggled to remain conscious. Despite its best efforts the yellow mouse succumbed, crawling a couple paces before falling still.

"Aw, so close!" Samuel cried out. While the boy was obviously a tiny bit disappointed it in no way put a damper on his spirits. He recalled the defeated Sandshrew and chuckled happily, as if he knew a secret he wanted to share. "Well you're in luck! Cause I do have another pokémon." Just as Marchbaby had hoped Samuel tossed his third pokémon into battle. Emerging onto the field was a sharp looking bird in autumn colors. Spearow cawed fiercely as it broke into the air, hovering overhead.

"What pokémon are you gunna send out this time? Another rare one?!"

---

Alpha won and grew to LV 26, plus gained +1 Happiness!
Alpha would like to learn Bullet Punch; delete an old move?

---

Youngster Samuel sent out Spearow (LV 20)
Will March switch pokémon?

[Marchbaby]

As Samuel's second Pokemon was knocked out Marchbaby was really excited to hear the young boy still had another Pokemon. This battle had been quite a lot of fun though he knew it would end sooner or later. The young dragon tamer was always appreciative of a chance to show off and maybe train his Pokemon more in the process. Alpha had gained a few levels and even learned Bullet Punch which was a far less dangerous move then Take Down and it would do more damage as the move was the same type as Alpha. As Samuel sent out his last Pokemon Marchbaby had made up his mind for which Pokemon he would use next.

" It is indeed another rare one, his species itself is not very rare but that is not what makes Bonecrusher special, rather it is his coloration that makes him rare as he is a shiny Pokemon." As Alpha moved back to float next to Marchbaby Bonecrusher made his way forward. The tiny Aron had been with him for quite a long time and still not evolved. Marchbaby was hoping to change that soon but as Samuel's next Pokemon had a huge type disadvantage which left him with a lot of confidence. Even Bonecrusher was filled with pride as he made his way forward believing he had the upper hand in the upcoming round. As Bonecrusher stopped in front of the bird he roared as loud as he could to show off his power before kicking the dirt on the ground with his legs ready to charge forward.

" It sure looks like Bonecrusher is ready. He has not evolved yet but this battle should help him get closer to becoming a Lairon. That is a day I really look forward to after all this time but even in his current state he is pretty strong. The phrase slow and steady wins the race applies to him perfectly as speed is not something he has." Marchbaby smiled at Samuel as he gave the young lad a chance to be ready for the next round. He knew Spearow would go first anyway and that the Aron would have to take a hit for the team before he would be able to strike. As a few minutes passed he finally issued his orders to the young steel type. Bonecrusher use Iron Head on Spearow. Let's see if it can handle your might head to head. He said as Bonecrusher ran forward ready to end the battle once and for all. 



OOC: Alpha forgets Take Down to learn Bullet Punch. Marchbaby sends out Bonecrusher who uses Iron Head on Spearow.

[Dan]

The young trainer was quite awed by the rare Pokemon that March seemed to nonchalantly have with him. Millions of people had not even seen a Beldum on TV, let alone real life! This battle was certainly a rewarding experience for him and he enjoyed the exotic monsters that this legendary Pokemon master seemed to tame. Bonecrusher’s red eyes glared at the Spearow, the poor bird looked quite unsettled by this steel menace. Aron were not common Pokemon where Spearow was from, so this foe looked just as formidable as the last.

In return for the cold stare, which may have been unintentional, Spearow shot a leer attack at the steel foe. Of course the trainer and bird both knew that any physical attacks weren’t going to do well with the steel Pokemon’s tough outer exterior. Although the idea was good in theory, Bonecrusher was definitely not phased by it. His power was great and his level was much more mature than Spearows. True to his name, Bonecrusher stampeded his little body towards Spearow. A loud crunch could be heard as the Aron made impact with the helpless bird. “Dang! Your Pokemon sure are strong! Here’s some money for teaching me about rare Pokemon!” And with that, the young man took his injured Pokemon to be revived.

---

March defeated Youngster Samuel! Samuel pays 130 to March for winning!

Bonecrusher gained 1,000 exp! Bonecrusher is now level 30!

[Marchbaby]

Having defeated Samuel Marchbaby decided to stay in the tall grass and keep trying his luck. Bonecrusher had leveled up as a result of the last battle as had Alpha. Though they would both need far more training to reach their final forms he could not be more proud of them. " You guys did great, keep this up and someday you will both reach your final evolutions." Alpha was thrilled to have gained a new move and it being a priority move made it even better. Metal claw was a bit more powerful but bullet punch's speed was much greater. Anyone with half a mind knew how useful a move like that could be but Alpha really saw it as useful.

" My this new attack is marvelous, my speed is increased considerably when using bullet punch. Now even speedy Pokemon will have to think twice before they mess with me. I look forward to using it in battle." The robotic Pokemon was not even paying attention to where it was going as it nearly nailed Shocker. Marchbaby Was concerned but he did not want to spoil the Metang's fun, afterall it was not an everyday thing for one of his Pokemon to learn such a useful move. In the meantime Bonecrusher was looking around for something to battle. He was really close to evolving now and was in a hurry. After being trapped as an Aron for so long he could not contain his patience any longer. 

Marchbaby knew how he felt as he had been a dragon apprentice for years and longed to become a dragon master. He was still a very long way off but he knew he would get there someday if he kept trying, the road would be long but the destination was well worth the distance. As he day dreamed about his goals Bonecrusher had noticed something was headed their way. Before Marchbaby could even say a word he took up a battle stance ready to fight whatever came their way. " Whoa Bonecrusher hang on a moment, we have no idea what could be out there. You are really tough but your body is still not at peak protection yet. Until you become an Aggron such a move is way too dangerous." Begrudgingly knowing Marchbaby was right he stepped back and waited. If it was something he could handle he was going to battle it.

Ooc: Staying in the tall grass looking for another encounter.

[Lamont]

Bonecrusher didn't have to wait long. The pokémon settled in the tall bushes stirred, bursting out of the tall grass in a flurry of tan feathers. A wind crashed down under it as the bird ascended to the sky, screeching fiercely as it reached the peak of its assisted jump and fanned its wings. Dark eyes stared down at the trainer and company, considering the challenge. That didn't take long either.

Another caw accompanied by the flap of wings keeping the strong avian hovering in place before March signaled that the pidgeotto wasn't going anywhere.

A Pidgeotto (LV 17) is challenging you to a fight!
Select a pokémon for battle

[Marchbaby]

Though Bonecrusher had hoped to battle whatever came along next as soon as Pidgeotto appeared in front of them it was none other than Kamikaze who jumped out in front ready for a battle. She knew the bird was known for it's tricks and since she was a pro at hunting birds this would be a great chance to get some exercise while also making quick work of their new found foe until they could find something more fitting of Bonecrusher. Kamikaze smirked as she looked at the bird as she fully intended to tear it apart with her razor like claws as she was not going to take any chances and let the bird escape from this battle.

" Well I was hoping that Bonecrusher would get another chance but it looks like Kamikaze will have things handled from here. I do not even think I have to guide her through this battle at all as she already knows what to do." He said as his other Pokemon looked on waiting to watch the battle. Alpha analized the situation and did not doubt for a moment the outcome of this battle as Kamikaze was such a strong Pokemon in the area. It began to speak as it's analysis finished. " If my calculations are correct Kamikaze should have a massive advantage here. She is brave jumping out like that but in this case the threat to her is minimal."

The words of encouragement only pumped the Weavile up more as she extended her claws ready to strike down her foe as fast as she could. It was a shame she did not know an ice type move for a battle like this as it would make beating flying types even easier but thanks to the level gap even Feint Attack should be able to do the job without much trouble. She looked back at Marchbaby to make sure he was fine with her making her move and he did not wait very long at all to give his approval as with her speed if he did not answer either way quickly he would not get a chance.

" Go ahead sweetheart, I have full confidence that you know what you are doing. With your claws even a mighty dragon would think twice before trying to battle you so this is one brave Pidgeotto. You know the drill Feint Attack and give it your all." As soon as he gave his orders Kamikaze ran like lightning towards her foe.


Ooc: Kamikaze uses Feint Attack on Pidgeotto. 

[Lamont]

The tan feathered being glared down at the dark furred weavile that slipped out to defend the trainer. There was a blood lust in the icy pokémon's eyes that made Pidgeotto uncomfortable, but it was far too late to back down now. The avian had issued a challenge and this was what rose up to meet it. So be it.

Before the bird could even finish its battle squawk Kamikaze was already on the move. The grass parted as she dashed off with amazing speed aimed for a tree rooted nearby. Pidgeotto was still high in the air but the nimble sharp claw pokémon wouldn't have an issue rising to meet it. Like a mythical monk Kamikaze moved so quickly she scaled the tree's trunk in seconds, running along it as if it was simple ground. within the next moment she was along a branch and darting through the air toward her opponent. The bird had barely kept up with her movements, twisting around and adjusting in the air to catch the weavile's long claws with its talons. However, Kamikaze implemented the trick of her attack.

The pidgeotto was now out of position to defend itself. Kamikaze flipped in the air and made a lightning fast strike that left a faint after image jutting across Pidgeotto's side. It took a second, where everything seemed to freeze, but the bird fell quietly unconscious from the single precise blow and crashed to the ground.

---

VICTORY!

---

Kamikaze gained 850 EXP and grew to LV 31!