Pest Civil War [Pest Skirmish of 2017 ended.]

[Tiki]

(because rabbits are also agricultural pests)

After catching the Snubbull and witnessing her Marill evolving to Azumarill, Penelope spent a happy night, as well as the next day, celebrating with her Pokemon. They went out in the courtyard of Pokemon Center playing around, helping out Penelope trying some new picnic food. She also went around the city to explore. She did enjoy the city as it have more rural feel to it, with the surrounding forest, as well as a different feel of the grass beneath her feet. Perhaps the grass species was a different one.

She found out from people talking in the Pokemon Center that there was a gym here! Ooh, she couldn't wait to try it out now, but she was tired already from walking the entire city that she crashed on her bed. The next day, this time, she was fully ready. She marched in the gym, and could immediately smell t he waft of nature inside the gym. Falkner's gym definitely didn't smell like this.

"Hello? My name is Penelope and I want to challenge the gym leader!" she shouted, her voice echoing in the hall before she even open the door to the battlefield.

[Lamont]

vs. Gym Leader Bugsy

---

Opening the door would reveal this place was indeed nothing like Falkner's gym. Instead of a bird's eye view of the surrounding area Azalea's gym was packed full of trees and what looked like some sort of rail system fitted to look like netting with mechanical bugs riding along. None were active at the moment though, leaving nothing but the serene crickets and calls of bug pokémon hiding amongst the branches; or some sort of sound system playing recorded noise for ambience. It was hard to tell.

Having heard the excited girl's shout muffled through the doorway seconds before she opened it, Bugsy perked from a light nap he'd been having in one of the trees. He stared down at her for a second as he gathered himself then called a pleased 'hello' down to the girl before making his way down.

"Welcome to my gym! I'm Bugsy, and I specialize in the underestimated Bug Type pokémon." He pointed to himself happily before nabbing a pokéball from one of his pouches. "Am guessing you're here to challenge me for the Hive Badge. So! Let's not waste any time! I'm excited to see how you plan on handling my bugs."

Leader Bugsy sent out Metapod (Lv 18)

Choose your Pokemon!

[Tiki]

As soon as Penelope opened the door to the arena, she didn't really have to guess what type of gym this was, given the overgrown trees and grass covering the floor. Although it could have been a grass type gym as well, however, as she heard the ambiance sounded like a bunch of insects chirping like when she go camping, that was the confirmation that she needed. She waited until the gym leader finished introducing himself before sending out her Pokemon. Well, this one was definitely less chit chat than Falkner over there in Violet City.

"Ooh, it's a Metapod! Come on out, Zuroy! Use Bubble on the Metapod!" She giggled as she tossed out her Pokeball, feeling riled up from the upcoming battle. If she defeated the gym leader, then this would be the second badge under her belt! She remembered how tough Falkner was when he sent out his Pidgeotto, but hopefully this time, Bugsy's last Pokemon won't be too hard! She was both scared and excited at the same time, what challenge would Bugsy give her?

[Dan]

Bugsy stood in his green gym, smiling at the newcomer whom seemed to be in a chipper mood. Bugsy was known as the bubbliest gym leader of Johto, kind of an opposite of Falkner. Although Bugsy controlled bug type Pokemon, regarded as more of a weaker type, he had a great tactic up his sleeve that he was sure Penelope would be stumped by. In the end, Bugsy just wanted to have fun, which was what Pokemon battles were to him, really.

“Alright, let’s get started!” Bugsy said, excited to get into another heated battle. Out popped the large water Pokemon, known for her great attack stat. Bugsy smirked, knowing that the Pokemon’s physical moves would do little against his rock hard cocoon Pokemon. The Azumaril blew out a selection of beautiful bubbles at the foe, dowsing the Metapod in water. “Use harden, Metapod!” The cocoon retaliated by focusing its power on the tough outer shell at it boasted so famously.

Battle

---

Metapod | Level 18 |
HP: 63% (32/51)
Status: Def +1
Used Harden!

Vs.

Azumaril | Level 18 |
HP: 100% (69/69)
Status: Normal
Used Bubble!

---

[Tiki]

Penelope watched as the battle began, but so far the tension seemed more calm than with Falkner. Usually a gym is supposed to be challenging right? Well, what would be the challenge of this gym then? Surely, not all bugs are cocoons, sitting ducks waiting to be attacked. Her Azumarill fired a flurry of bubbles, and the Metapod reacted by glowing brightly and raising its defense. Maybe the gym leader was just being defensive, but Penelope couldn't let her guard down so soon yet.

"Keep your guard up, Zuroy! Use Bubble again!" she hollered and threw a fist into the air, cheering for her Pokemon as the water Pokemon continued another round. The water Pokemon giggled and happily fired another round of Bubble, sending them in the Metapod's direction.

[Dan]

“Nice tactic trying to avoid my Metapod’s defense build!” Bugsy said, excited about how this battle could turn out. The bug ruler loved when a trainer pulled out a good challenge, right when he thought he knew what to expect, Penelope pulled out a new trick. Now however, Bugsy had to try and rearrange his tactic, since defense boosting wasn’t going to work with this water Pokemon. Metapod sat, waiting to take Bugsy’s directions for battle.

Azumaril was ready to fight, happy to end this cocoon’s miserable life. The water mouse cooed and fired more bubbles which penetrated the Metapod’s fragile special defense. “Metapod, use bug bite!” Bugsy ordered with a smile. Metapod somehow flew across the floor, and bit the Azumaril. “Great job!” Bugsy cheered on his Pokemon, proud of its great work ethic. Sadly, the move didn’t do too much damage, and Azumarill seemed perfectly fine.

Battle

---

Metapod | Level 18 |
HP: 24% (12/51)
Status: Def +1
Bug Bite!

Vs.

Azumaril | Level 18 |
HP: 96% (66/69)
Status: Normal
Used Bubble!

---

[Tiki]

Hearing that Bugsy was using a defensive build, Penelope was relieved that her Azumarill still attacks with Bubble, which was a special move. She was also relieved that Bugsy wasn't flinging Sand Attack like Falkner. She continued to watch as the battle continued. She though the Metapod won't be moving much until it was ordered to use Bug Bite. The bug somehow moved and attacked the water Pokemon. Thankfully, this attack was lame in comparison to the water Pokemon's heavy duty. Well, that was an anti-climatic Bug Bite.

Since the opponent bug wasn't doing much of anything, Penelope continued to order another Bubble. She felt a little disappointed, as she thought the battle was going to be hard. At the same time, she was also a little bit relieved that the Bugsy's first Pokemon was a little easy. Well, Falkner's first Pokemon have a crippling Sand Attack!

[Dan]

Azumaril’s knowledge of the move bubble would certainly help her advance through the battle much quicker than if she had been utilizing the Pure Power build more. The Metapod was completely defenseless towards the water Pokemon’s special attack stat, falling victim to many shiny bubbles. Metapod looked insentient like always, sitting on the gym floor with nothing but a blank stare at the foe and her trainer.

“Jeez! Your Azumarill is so strong! What nature is she? Her bubble attack is sickening!” Bugsy cheered, admiring Penelope’s beautiful Pokemon. Although he trained bug type Pokemon exclusively, he loved all types of Pokemon. As bug types were his favorite, he always used those, but he had an appreciation for all of the Pokemon.

Azumarill was pumped, ready to decimate the cocoon with a flurry of bubbles. She puffed up her chest, ready to fire at Penelope’s command. Out came the bubbles! They circulated towards the Metapod, popping on contact and ushering a series of blows. The bubble array was too much for the bug type. It closed its eyes and fell to the ground, fainted by the water mouse. “Dang! Great job! But watch out, Kakuna has a wicked poison type move that will trip you up!”

Battle

---

Metapod | Level 18 |
HP: 0% 0/51)
Status: Def +1
Fainted!

Vs.

Azumaril | Level 18 |
HP: 96% (66/69)
Status: Normal
Used Bubble!

---

Bugsy is sending out Kakuna (level 18) do you want to switch Pokemon?

Azumarill gained 3 levels and is now level 21! Now she can drink! She wants to learn Aqua Tail, delete a move?

[Tiki]

Aqua Tail over Bubble

Penelope smiled as she heard her Pokemon receiving compliment. Her Azumarill also squealed happily at Bugsy, expressing that she heard what he said. "Thank you! Did you hear that Wavy? Bugsy said you're strong! Oh, nature? Like her personality? She's actually a lax and chill Pokemon. She enjoys hanging out in water, whether it's a big body of water or a nice rainy day." She replied, poking a finger to her head as she thought out loud. Then, she undo that expression and smiled warmly at the gym leader again.

However, after the victory with the Metapod, the water type Pokemon had something else to show Penelope. Waving her tail in the air as a sphere of water surrounded her tail, the water bunny squeaked and turned toward her trainer. Her message seemed to be clear: she had learned a new move and would like to try it right now. Penelope's smile widened, and with a little hesitation because she was busy getting excited and smiling, "Ooh, this looks like a fun new move! Use it, Wavy!" The water Pokemon giggled and lunged forward with her Aqua Tail.

[Marchbaby]

Though Bugsy had warned about his Kakuna's poison type move he had no doubt that he would have to use Bug Bite agaain as it was his Pokemon's most reliable move. As true as that was neither of his cocoon Pokemon had a chance of outpacing Zuroy without somehow dropping her speed. As neither of them had a move capable of doing that sticking to the offensive was the only real option. Trying to keep his mind off the current situation he continued to talk about Zuroy. " For such a calm Pokemon I am really impressed at her power. It certainly is a creative way to defeat my Pokemon over the fire types I see so often." As his mind raced to make something good out of the situation deep down he knew nothing but his final Pokemon could turn this battle around however he did not want to reveal it too early.

As using his final Pokemon was off the table for the time being he had to attack now to at least do something before Kakuna could be knocked out. Before giving his order Zuroy rushed towards the cocoon Pokemon with her tail surrounded by water. Kakuna had no idea what to expect as Zuroy's Aqua Tail scored a direct hit sending the bug flying backwards. Had it not been for Kakuna's high defense it likely would have been killed from the impact, even so Bugsy was proud of his Pokemon. " Good job Kakuna, I know you took a lot of damage there. You have earned a rest." 

Bugsy only had one Pokemon left and he had no choice but to use it now. " Scyther it is your turn, our backs are against the wall but I know you can turn things around." He said as the mantis appeared in front of him ready to avenge it's fallen friends.

Kakuna | Level 18 |
HP: 0% 0/49)
Status: KO'ed
KO'ed!

Vs.

Azumaril | Level 21 |
HP: 96% (76/79)
Status: Normal
Used Aqua Tail!

---

Zuroy gains 2 levels and is now level 23. She also gains 1 happiness and now has +9 happiness overall.


Bugsy sends out his Scyther(Level 21) Would you like to switch Pokemon?

[Tiki]

So far, the battle had been quite fast, as Penelope had defeated two pods with one hare. She thanked her opponent's compliments, but now the battle had changed. Bugsy had called out a quite offensive looking Pokemon compared to his previous two, rather immobile, and sturdy Pokemon. This was probably her opportunity to let her other Pokemon shine a little bit.

"Return, Zuroy! You did great, have a little break! Come on out, Horizon! Use Stun Spore!" She enthusiastically cried out, returning her Pokemon and swapped out another one. Out from the Pokeball was actually a bug type Pokemon, and the flying Pokemon have a beautiful pattern on her wings. She flew over to Penelope and flew around the human happily, before flying back into the field to face her opponent. She then began flapping her wings to release a cloud of yellow pollen at the opponent.

[Lamont]

vs. Gym Leader Bugsy

---

Well this was certainly unexpected. A challenger sending out a bug pokémon against Bugsy! If he wasn't excited before the brilliant colors glittering off of the butterfly's wings brought the young gym leader's heart up to rapid speed. But he wasn't about to forget himself in the battle. "Quick Scyther! Get in a quick attack before the spores are released!" Bugsy called, throwing a hand forward to point at Horizon with net in hand.

The keened mantis pokémon launched forward with great speed, buzzing along with its wings. She covered the distance between herself and Horizon near instantly and sliced across the beautiful butterfly. The Vivillon cried out with pain, not quite ready for such a surprisingly forceful attack. There was something else behind the Scyther's strike, a tactical placement that made the move a big stronger than one could expect.

But Horizon recovered in due time and enacted her own trainer's instructions. Releasing a wave of yellowish spores into the air she directed them with her wings into the retreating Scyther. Inhaling the detrimental bacterium the green mantis slowed her final steps and appeared to begin twitching in her movements.

"A well placed effect!" Bugsy laughed happily. "Wow, I never imagined a Vivillon would be so... stunning, forgive the pun. But it's true! My gosh, what a beautiful specimen. You have no idea how much I appreciate someone else acknowledging the utility of bug pokémon." He paused to take a deep breath. "Let's see whose comes out on top!"

---

Scyther | Level 21 | Technician | Sitrus Berry
HP: 100% (66/66)
Status: Paralyzed
Used Quick Attack!

VS

Horizon | Level 21 | Compound Eyes
HP: 67% (48/71)
Status: +1 SPD
Used Stun Spore!

---

[Tiki]

"Thank you, mister!" Penelop blushed, feel praised for using bug type by a bug type enthusiast. If she would have won this badge, she wouldn't be this humble about the tactic though, as her pride would grow. Though this Pokemon was certainly a really fast one, compared to the Metapod and Kakune. She was glad she called out her Pokemon to use a paralyzing move. Now, the only left to do was attacking the Scyther.

"Wow, your Scyther is really fast! Not anymore though, haha," She giggled at her own success, and then resumed ordering her Pokemon's next move. "We did it Horizon! Now go for a Psybeam!" She shouted, pointing at the now weakened Scyther with joy in her voice. She was starting to get worked up after the boring battles earlier. Now, this was the challenge she's looking for, not some weak sauce cocoons.

[Lamont]

vs. Gym Leader Bugsy

---

Bugsy smiled, rubbing a finger under his nose moments before his smile broke into a toothy grin. "Hehe, I wouldn't count on that." That stun spore had certainly put Penelope at a huge advantage, but there was still a chance that Scyther could pull through. It was a gamble, but unavoidable; and with that psychic attack coming in there was no time to waste. "You can work through this Scyther, come on! Give it your all in another Quick Attack." The gym leader gave a flourish to help motivate his pokémon into overcoming the static pulsing through her msucles; as well as perhaps to help release some of his own energy from the excitement welling inside him.

With a buzz of her wings Scyther started forward, moving indirectly toward Horizon as the butterfly began charging energy for her beam. Her motions were staggered at first, stuttering with every turn of muscle. The scyther groaned as she forced herself through, then suddenly gave a determined cry. With the assistance of her wings flaring to life She soared over to Horizon in seconds, bashing into the the colorful beauty with another surprising burst of power.

Horizon quickly recovered, her wing beats a little erratic at first as she righted herself after the blow. Despite being a bit worn down from her opponent's attacks the paralyzed Scyther was in prime position. She let lose her psybeam, a wash of flickering colors erupting ahead of her and cascading along Scyther's back. The mantis pokémon was pushed away, nearly falling off balance, but with a determined huff she planted her feet on the ground and clashed her large claws together.

---

Scyther | Level 21 | Technician | Sitrus Berry
HP: 100% (51/66)
Status: Paralyzed
Used Quick Attack!

VS

Horizon | Level 21 | Compound Eyes
HP: 38% (27/71)
Status: +1 SPD
Used Psybeam!

[Tiki]

Penelope sorta knew that paralysis only would slow down the opponent's Pokemon, but sometimes they just could fight through the numbness and use a move. She muttered a "That was a lucky move!" under her breath, not yet frustrated since the paralysis had just set in and the Scyther was maybe just lucky to use an attack this early. In other words, she was probably still counting on that paralysis. She could be naive, or she was just really brought into gambling this paralysis. Though, if her Vivillon was ever down to low health, she could use her Azumarill from earlier.

"Hang in there, Horizon! The Scyther just wasn't numb enough yet! Go on with another Psybeam!" She hollered and pointed at the green bug. Her bug nodded and agreed, hoping to trust her trainer's experience and expertise. Then, she got in position and readied to fire another psybeam, blasting another prismatic wave toward her opponent.