Fiery Serpent! [Sprout Tower] [F]

[Venominon]

After leaving Cherrygrove City, Venom leapt from tree to tree, travelling down routes 30 and 31 with his new friend Ekans coiled around his shoulders. With all of his training and experience in the wild, he quickly made it all the way to Violent City, jumping from the final tree branch, and landing right in front of the entrance to the city. The ninja was quick to walk into the city after, then he and Ekans looked around at the new sights all around them. "Ekans." Venom nodded in agreement at her words, having never seen this city either. "You said it Ekans." As they continued to walk around the city and take in its sights, Venom's eyes soon stopped on the Sprout Tower. The more the ninja stared at the tower, the more it made him grin, wanting to get a closer look.

Venom knew they had a gym to challenge, but he just couldn't help himself, as he started walking towards the tower. This made Ekans turn to him, looking at her master with a confused expression. "Ekans?" The Poison type trainer glanced at her as he walked, preparing to explain himself to her. "The gym's not going anywhere Ekans. Besides, Ive always wanted to check this place out. The tower's design was inspired by the Pokémon Bellsprout, and every monk inside of it has a Bellsprout of their own. Bellsprout's a Poison type too." Venom stated to his serpentine Pokémon, his expression changing into the one he gets whenever there's a Poison type involved. Given his great love for all Poison types, it was always an expression of great interest.

Ekans might not have been with Venom for very long, but she knew this much about him already. So, letting out a sigh, she knew there was no talking him out of this, and decided to just go along with him. "Ekans..." Once Venom had finally reached the front doors, he pushed them open, and happily walked inside. The doors closed behind the trainer and Pokémon, as the two began to look around the inside of the giant structure. However, their sight seeing was quickly interrupted by the sounds of battle. Quickly losing his grin, and turning the direction of the sounds he'd heard, the ninja and his snake Pokémon observed a lone Cyndaquil in battle against two Bellsprouts and their trainers.

This sight was very surprising to Venom, especially since he could clearly see that the Cyndaquil was a wild Pokémon, and the two trainers were both monks, rather then lowly punks ganging up on a wild Pokémon. The Poison type trainer's eyes narrowed into a slight glare after that, since he didn't like this one bit, having lived with wild Pokémon for most of his life. He didn't like the idea of fighting against the Bellsprouts, since they were Poison types and all, but the thought of turning a blind eye to this and leaving the Cyndaquil to fend for itself was even worse to him. With his conscious clear, Venom ran straight for the battle, filled with determination. Ekans knew right away what he was doing, and she knew that she'd most likely be the Pokémon he'd send in to face the monks and their sprout Pokémon, but if it was for Venom, then she didn't mind one bit. As the two got closer to the battle, Venom pointed right at the two Bellsprouts, giving Ekans her first order for this battle.

"Now Ekans, back Cyndaquil up! Use Bite on the Bellsprout on the right!" Ekans was quick to obey, slithering off of his arm, and lunging right at the Bellsprout on the right side, her mouth wide open and ready to bite. "Ekans!" Venom stopped at Cyndaquil's side, and gave the monks a slight glare. "You might be Poison type trainer's like myself, but I wont let you harm this Cyndaquil!" Venom then turned to the small Fire type, and his expression softened into a smile. "I'm not sure what's going on, but we'll help you out."

[Lamont]

So focused on the fire type the monks didn't even notice Venom's entrance or approach. They stood, blocking a stairway up into the tower with arms spread and a bit of a quiver. The pair of robed sages didn't want to make their fear of the fire pokémon too obvious though, it would seem, as they had sent out their favored leafy pokémon to defend against their unwanted guest.

"Turn back!" the one wearing the maroon vestment cried, only the slightest hint of uncertainty tainting the words.
"This sacred place is not a playground for you," the other one supported, a rosary clutched tightly in his hands for moral support. Following their words the two bellsprout lashed at the floor just in front of Cyndaquil to discourage the mouse from coming any closer. Any time the fire type made a move that wasn't falling back the sprouts would unleash their vines just ahead. The crackle against the wood snapping throughout the otherwise welcoming chamber.

Cyndaquil was getting fed up with this though, it wanted further! Flames exploded from its back as the small creature hummed its frustration toward the sages. Both humans jumped with fright, sweat beading on their temples.
"This is it brother, we have no choice..." Jin spoke with dismay, taking a deep breath.
"The Sacred Sprout stands behind us, w-we can't lose!" The slight stammer betrayed his confidence. Both of their own bellsprouts were likely not a match for the wild pokémon. It had become quite strong on its own, now able to wield its elemental powers and make short work of their poor grass types if it had the mind to. Their only chance would be that Cyndaquil wouldn't realize just how much an advantage it had, thus leaving the sages able to use tactics to turn the wild pokémon away.

But that was quickly dashed.

A proud voice boomed into the room, calling for an attack against Chow's bellsprout. The sages snapped to attention, startled looks on their faces as they saw the swift slithering snake fast approaching.
"Oh no!" It was all Jin could get out before both Cyndaquil and Ekans teamed up against Chow's pokémon. Cyndaquil caught the worried bellsprout with a spine shivering leer seconds before Ekans lurched forward to bite onto its bell shaped head. Bellsprout wailed, leafy hands flicking harmlessly against Ekans in an effort to persuade her to let go.

"Bellsprout, vine whip Cyndaquil!" Jin commanded, both him and his sprout looking to their companion with a desire to help but no means to do so. So this was the next best thing. Their only chance was to try and take Cyndaquil out before it did too much damage.
"Shake the ekans off and do the same Bellsprout," Chow followed, biting his lip and turning his eyes up to the boy while the battle continued. "Please sir, you can't let this cyndaquil into the depths of our monestary. If you're here to undergo the Sprout Tower Test we will happily oblige but... We cannot let this dangerous pokémon through," he pleaded.

Cyndaquil huffed and stomped its foot. Pointing a stubby little hand up at the monks and giving them an indignant look.


vs. Sages Jin & Chow

---

Weather: Clear

Chow's Bellsprout | LV 9 | Chlorophyll
HP: 36% (11/30)
Status: -1 ATK & DEF
Used Vine Whip on Cyndaquil!

Jin's Bellsprout | LV 9 | Chlorophyll
HP: 100% (30/30)
Status: -1 ATK
Used Vine Whip on Cyndaquil!

VS

Venom's Ekans | LV 12 | Intimidate
HP: 100% (34/34)
Status: Normal
Used Bite!

Wild Cyndaquil | LV 10 | Blaze
HP: 80% (24/30)
Status: Normal
Used Leer!

[Venominon]

The first round of the battle left Venom with a smile on his face, as he looked down at Ekans and Cyndaquil, very happy that the two seem to be working together so well. "Good job you two! Great combination!" Venom remarked, seeing that with Cyndaquil's Leer and Ekans' Bite, they managed to do some big damage to one of the two Bellsprouts. Venom was also quick to notice that the monks were blocking the stairs going up, and Cyndaquil seemed to wanna go there more then anything for some reason. "You wanna go there?" The ninja asked the small Fire type, then nodded at it, giving Cyndaquil one of his grins. "Not a problem. We'll go with you too." At her trainer's word, Ekans glanced at Cyndaquil, and nodded as well, in full agreement with her trainer. "Ekans."

Although, when the monks finally spoke to Venom, the Poison type trainer turned his attention back to them. It was very easy for Venom to see that the two monks were afraid, and didn't seem to have much confidence in themselves. The ninja still wasn't too thrilled about having to face off with a pair of fellow Poison type trainers, but he loved Pokémon far too much to turn his back on a wild one. In fact, back home in the Kanto Safari Zone, he'd often protected the wild Pokémon that lived there by chasing away any trainers who'd entered the Safari Zone looking to capture them. So, after losing his grin, he took on an expression of resolve and determination, and starred right into the eyes of the monks. "I'm sorry, but I wont turn my back on this Cyndaquil. I wouldn't mind trying my hand at your test, and I know how important this place is to you, but if a wild Pokémon needs help, Ill be there. This Cyndaquil is going further into this tower, and its not going in alone!"

Venom still wasn't really sure what was going on here, or why this Cyndaquil was so bent on going further into the Sprout Tower, but none of that mattered to Venom in the least. The Poison type trainer was determined to help Cyndaquil reach the top floor of the tower, and he was fully prepared to fight off anyone who stood in their way. Ekans shared her trainer's determination, and glared at the monks and their Bellsprouts, all while hissing at them and rattling her tail. "Now Ekans, use Bite one more time! Finish off the wounded Bellsprout!" Venom gave his next order, planning to turn this into a two on one battle, and give his side the edge. "Ekans!" Ekans rattled her tail even more, slithering at the same Bellsprout she sank her fangs into just a moment ago, ready to give it one final blow.

[Lamont]

Both of the monks looked disappointed that their guest wouldn't honor their wishes, but they held their tongues so as to not dishonor the tower's teachings themselves. All they could do now was proceed with the battle. A time honored tradition by everyone in the world for settling things. If they couldn't stop Ekans and Cyndaquil through a fair pokémon battle then that was just going to be how things were.
"Very well," Chow replied, head turned down. However disappointed the pair were they held a calm look of acceptance. "Vine Whip the Cyndaquil again Bellsprout."
"Same for you," Jin repeated the command. There was little hope for the two of them; they knew. So they'd just do their best to help out whoever encountered Venom and Cyndaquil further into the tower. Little did they know just how futile their resistance was.

In a flash Ekans had slipped across the floor and whipped toward the weakened bellsprout. True to her species' predator habits her prey barely saw the flash of teeth before her head had snapped forward and dug into that yellow bell. Bellsprout toppled to the ground unconscious. Quick to follow was the other sprout, as Cyndaquil turned its eye onto the grass pokémon and unleashed a wave of fire. The sage's gasped in unison as the element engulfed the remaining bellsprout and left it a scorched mess.

"Quick!" Jin shouted as he hurried to his fainted pokémon, pulling the poor thing from the remaining cinders and stamping out the glowing red sparks before they could do any further damage to their wooden home. It was over. Chow recalled his own bellsprout and stepped aside after a quick check with his ally.
"You've bested us on the ground floor. Another challenge will await you further in."

Cyndaquil wasted no time, it didn't even wait for Venom. Immediately the fiery mouse ran for the stairway previously blocked and started ascending further into the Tower.

---

VICTORY!

---

Ekans grew to LV 14!

---

Cyndaquil is climbing the stairs!

[Venominon]

When the snake and mouse Pokémon had both finished off their opponents, Venom was both happy and surprised. Happy they'd won and that Ekans had grown stronger, but also surprised at how strong Cyndaquil's fire attack was, having defeated the other Bellsprout in just one hit. Venom looked down at the small Fire type, and smiled at it once again. "Wow. Not bad." The Poison type trainer remarked, then turned his attention back to the two monks, as they were frantically putting out the fire Cyndaquil had made. Venom would be lying if he said he didn't feel at least a little bad about putting the monks through this, especially since he knew all about honor and tradition himself, but his love for all things Pokémon overshined all of that stuff every time. So the ninja simply let out a sigh, and hoped that there would be no hard feelings once this was all over and done with.

Venom's focus once again fell on the monks, as they gave him and his little team permission to climb up to the next floor. Even with all of his ninja training, Venom was surprised again when Cyndaquil dashed right for the stairs, without so much as a single word to him or Ekans. "Hey Cyndauil! Wait up!" Venom still had no idea what was in Cyndaquil's head, but it was crystal clear that it was very important to the Fire type Pokémon. So, with that in mind, Venom ran after the fire mouse Pokémon. "Lets go Ekans! We're going up too!" As he ran, he held out his arm for Ekans to get on his shoulders again. "Ekans!" The snake Pokémon did just that, slithering up her trainer's arm as he ran, and onto his shoulders once again.

However, before leaving the ground floor, Venom stopped in front of the two monks. Staying true to everything Koga had taught him, Venom gave the monks a quick bow in thanks and apology. "Thank you, and I apologize for the trouble." Once that was done, the Poison type trainer raised his head, turned to the stairs, and ran up to the second floor. Ekans kept herself wrapped around her trainer's shoulders, as Venom followed after Cyndaquil as fast as he could. Venom had seen for himself just how strong this Cyndaquil was, but he still didn't let it out of his sight, knowing that things would only get tougher from here, and that Cyndaquil would still need their help. So, with his determination still going strong, Venom was more then prepared to see this trial through to the end.

[Marchbaby]

As Venom mad his way to the next floor the Cyndaquil he had helped now had it's path blocked by a single sage. At first the sage was going to challenge the fire type to a battle when he saw Venom. The sage did not think it was a coincidence that Cyndaquil had made it past the two sages on the floor below and quickly realized that this trainer must have helped it get this far. " So I see you had help reaching me this time. I shall deal with your partner first and then I shall deal with you afterwards." As he walked towards Venom with a lone Bellsprout by his side there was little doubt that a battle was the only way to settle this matter.

" You may have helped that rodent get past my fellow sages downstairs but I will not be so easy. I cannot allow you to go any further and put our sacred tower in any more danger than you already have. That fiery demon must be stopped even if it means resorting to violence." The sage knew he had to keep an eye on both Venom and the Cyndaquil as the fire type would more than likely make a move to slip past him during the battle and the elder would not be too happy if either slipped past him. His Bellsprout then stepped in front of him ready to battle as a series of vines grew out of it's body swinging wildly to try and deter Venom and the Cyndaquil from getting close.

" Bellsprout you will have to give it everything you have in this battle. We are outnumbered right now but numbers alone do not guarantee victory. I wish there was some other way to settle this matter but Cyndaquil will never give up so long as it thinks there is any hope of it destroying this tower and our way of life." He said as he waited for Venom to select a Pokemon while still keeping a close watch on Cyndaquil just in case it tried anything sneaky. 

Sage Neal would like to battle. He sends out his Bellsprout (Level 9)

[Venominon]

As Venom, Ekans, and Cyndaquil arrived on the second floor, they all stopped when they saw their next opponents, the lone sage and his Bellsprout. At first, Venom stayed silent, and listened to what the sage had to say. But Venom's expression quickly grew into a glare, as he didn't like what the sage was saying about Cyndaquil at all. "This Pokémon has a name! Its not a demon! No Pokémon is! I may not fully understand what's driving this Cyndaquil, but if its important to it, then its important to me!" Venom spoke confidently to the sage, taking a step passed Cyndaquil, acting as the small Fire type Pokémon's defender and its friend. The ninja didn't care if Cyndaquil had accepted him as a friend yet or not, since Venom felt a sort of bond with all wild Pokémon.


When the sage's Bellsprout stepped forward, looking for a battle, Venom and Ekans were more then happy to oblige. "Leave this one to us Cyndaquil. We'll get you to the top floor in no time. Ready for another round Ekans?" The snake Pokémon nodded, then slithered off her master's shoulders, and out in front of him, rattling her tail, ready for another battle. "Ekans! Ekans!" With his venomous Pokémon ready, Venom was quick to give his first order, wanting to wrap this battle up quickly. "I'm sorry things had to come to this too, but since they have, use Bite attack Ekans!" Ekans obeyed her master, matching his speed, and slithered right at the lone Bellsprout, her mouth open as wide as she could make it. "Ekans!"

[Marchbaby]

The sage paid little attention to what Venom had to say as to him the Cyndaquil was nothing more than a demon that had to be squished. As his Bellsprout waited for his order Neal gave a stern look to Venom as he spoke in an angry tone. " You can call the vermin whatever you wish but to us sage's it shall always be nothing more than a demon. Goals are an important part of life but not when they recklessly endanger others. Protecting this tower is my life's goal and it is important to me so I shall not hold back." Before he could even give his Pokemon the order to attack however Ekans made her move. She closed the distance in a very short period of time and opened her mouth as wide as she could ready to strike.

Once in range she bit down on the Bellsprout's leafy right arm and would not let go even as it flailed desperately trying to get the snake to let go. By the time Ekans released her grip the plant Pokemon stood as still as stone oblivious to everything going on even as it's trainer tried to give it an order." Bellsprout you have to snap out of it and use Double Team before it can strike again." After standing still for what felt like ages the plant was not going to make a move no matter what he said and the sage stood in shock of the snakes ability to flinch his Pokemon to such a degree. With a sigh he spoke again.

" At this rate violence looks like a bad idea on my part but I will not give up, so long as Bellsprout can fight we will never surrender. I admit you have the upper hand still but this battle is far from over. Bellsprout hold firm and let us hope luck switches over to our side in the next round."






Trainer Battle

---

Weather: Normal

Neal's Bellsprout | Level 9

HP: 50% (15/30 HP)

Status: Flinched, Normal

Bellsprout flinched!

VS

Venom's Ekans | Level 14

HP: 100% (38/38 HP)

Status: Normal

Ekans used Bite!

---

[Venominon]

The more the sage spoke, the more Venom glared at him. Venom knew about the sage's job and position very well, but that was no excuse to talk about and treat a Pokémon the way he and the other sage's have been doing to Cyndaquil. "I do have to agree with you on the fact that its not okay to cause trouble for others, but I also have to disagree with you on everything else. I stand by my statement, and it looks like that also means we stand against you." The ninja spoke in an equally firm tone, his determination to see this trial through to the end, and lend a hand to the wild Cyndaquil not the slightest bit wavered. It was clear to Venom that the sage's of Sprout Tower could not be reasoned with, but lucky for Cyndaquil, neither could Venom.


Venom's glare changed into a grin when he saw that Ekans' attack had made Bellsprout flinch, as well as the amount of damage it had done to the sprout Pokémon. "Yeah! That's the way Ekans!" The snake Pokémon glanced at her master, and smiled at him, blushing slightly, happy to receive his praise. "Ekans." The Poison type trainer's grin remained, as he faced the sage and his Bellsprout once more, ready for round two. "Let this be a lesson to you. Never mess with wild Pokémon. Use Bite one more time Ekans! Show em what I mean!" Ekans once again listened to her master's commands, and slithered towards Bellsprout once again, preparing to sink her fangs into her foe once more. "Ekans!"

[Marchbaby]

Even with the brave face the sage was trying to show he realized how bad his situation would become if Bellsprout was unable to attack again or worse. He really started to regret not having a second Bellsprout just in case something like this were to happen but all he could do was hope for the best as the two Pokemon got ready for another round. " It would seem that is another thing we do agree on and nothing either of us say will sway the other into changing their mind. The outcome of this battle is the only thing that will determine the outcome of this unfortunate meeting. Bellsprout be ready with your Double Team." He said hoping to at least stall Venom until an opening could present itself.

Ekans was too quick yet again however as she slithered towards the Bellsprout with her mouth wide open. Her fangs sunk into the left leafy arm of the Bellsprout this time around but unlike the last time the plant Pokemon did not stand like a rock but rather toppled over face first onto the floor. The sage was speechless for a moment as he recalled his defeated Pokemon trying not to lose his temper. He was now powerless to stop Venom and the Cyndaquil from advancing but he could at least try and talk some sense into him one more time before he would get out of their way. He looked right at the teenager with a stern look in his eyes as he delivered his final message.

" You have bested me but I implore you to think about the dangers you are putting us all in. Our Elder is up ahead and he will not be pleased to see this Cyndaquil again or you for helping it for that matter. I may not be able to stop you but he is the strongest of all of us and he will not hold back." With his desperate plea out of the way the sage stepped aside to allow the Cyndaquil and Venom to head up to the final floor of the tower. 




Trainer Battle

---

Weather: Normal

Neal's Bellsprout | Level 9
HP: 0% (0/30 HP)
Status: KO'ed
Bellsprout flinched!

VS

Venom's Ekans | Level 14
HP: 100% (38/38 HP)
Status: Normal
Ekans used Bite!

---

Ekans gained 1 level and is now level 15. You also receive 336 Poke in prize money. Venom may now proceed to the top floor!

[Venominon]

With the battle now over, and Ekans having not taken any damage at all, Venom's grin grew in size, as he pumped his fist in the air. "Oh yeah! That's what I'm talkin about Ekans!" The snake Pokémon smiled too, but also blushed again at all of her trainer's praise, very happy to be receiving it. "Ekans. Ekans. Ekans." Once the thrill had finally worn off, Venom turned to their fiery friend, and smiled down at him once more. "Ya see? I told ya we'd get ya to the top floor Cyndaquil. Our final battle is dead ahead, and I think I speak for all of us in saying that we're ready for it." Ekans nodded in full agreement at Venom's words, slithering back over to her trainer and Cyndaquil. "Ekans." The trio of trainer and Pokémon were on their way to the top, literally.


However, before moving on, Venom turned back to the defeated sage, listening to what he has to say. Venom lost his grin again, and could sense that the sage had become desperate, having lost the battle. So, as the ninja, Ekans, and Cyndaquil walked passed him, Venom gave the sage a response. "I guess its true what they say. Defeat really does humble people. You have my word, nothing bad will happen to anyone, or your tower. And as for your leader, I say bring him on. We wont be holding back either." Venom gave the sage one more small grin, before running up the stairs to the top floor at full speed, Ekans and Cyndaquil following close behind him. Venom and Ekans knew that their toughest challenge was waiting for them just a few steps away, but just like their small friend Cyndaquil, they were ready to fight with everything they had.

[Marchbaby]

As soon as Venom reached the top floor he could see a man with a purple and yellow robe standing near the back wall with two Pokemon in front of him. The first Pokemon was an average looking Hoothoot but the other was a strange yellow colored Bellsprout that did not look like any of the ones he had already fought. As he approached the elderly man started to speak with a disappointed tone as he knew his fellow sages had failed in their mission. " So I see you have made it to me Cyndaquil and it looks like you received help this time. As much as I dread seeing you again I give you credit for seeking help when you need it. That does not mean I will not try and stop you regardless." He then turned his attention to Venom.

Having realized this his sages must have given the teenager the full run down by now he saw no point in pleading with him to stop helping the Cyndaquil but he still had to admire the trainer for not giving up even after the sages tried to stop him. " Helping someone in need is quite an admirable quality in most cases but this is one case where your kindness is misplaced. No matter however as after coming this far I cannot see you walking away from this battle. You may be my foe now as well but even I have enough honor to make this a fair battle. I will not start until you have selected a Pokemon to help the little pest try to overcome me."

As he waited for the young man to select a Pokemon his own Pokemon stood ready for battle. Their hatred of the Cyndaquil showed in their eyes as they refused to look at anything else in the room except for it. Even their trainer showing a bit of mercy to make this a fair fight was not enough to get them to think about anything else except defeating the fire type and putting an end to this nightmare.

Elder Li would like to battle. He sends out his Bellsprout (Level 12) and Hoothoot (Level 10). Cyndaquil (Level 10) will fight along side you for this battle. Please select a Pokemon.

 

[Venominon]

As soon as Venom, Ekans, and Cyndaquil arrived on the top floor, they were quick to notice the elderly sage at the other side of the room. Venom quickly deduced that he was in charge of the Sprout Tower, and began to mentally prepare himself for the final battle against him. However, the ninja's focus didn't last long, as his eyes soon fell on the elder's very unique Bellsprout. Suddenly, and without warning, Venom ran right over to the Grass/Poison type Pokémon, and knelt down in front of it to get a better look. "Oh my Arceus, what are you?! Ive never seen a Bellsprout like you before! Such a unique color, and that symbol on your head! Your not a shiny Bellsprout, but that only makes you even more unique! You are amazing!" Venom spoke in a very excited tone, smiling big down at the sprout Pokémon, with sparkles in his eyes.

Being the huge Poison type Pokémon fan he was, Venom simply couldn't keep all of this bottled up inside of himself, letting his excitement be known to all those around him. Back over at the entrance to the room, Ekans put the end of her tail over her face, and looked away in shame, blushing with embarrassment at the actions of her trainer, remembering that he acted this way back when they first met as well. "Ekans..." The snake Pokémon let out a sigh, slowly coming to the realization that this will be a regular occurrence with Venom. However, when the elder spoke to him, Venom snapped out of it, and jumped back, landing at Ekans and Cyndaquil's side once again. The Poison type trainer listened to what the elder had to say, and found him to be more understanding then the sage's he'd fought up to this point, but Venom still shot him a glare.

No matter how polite or understanding he was, the elderly sage was still against Cyndaquil, and just like all the times up to now, that was something Venom simply couldn't ignore. Be that as it may, Venom still showed the elder some respect, bowing to him before the battle. "Thank you for the chance to battle as equals sir, but me and my team will not be defeated by you and yours. Ekans go!" Venom decided to stick with Ekans, and after shaking off the shame, Ekans obeyed, slithering out in front of her trainer, and joining Cyndaquil on the front lines. "Ekans." The ninja then narrowed his eyes at the elder's two Pokémon, and was quick to decide on a strategy to use against them. "Okay Ekans, use Poison Sting on Hoothoot!" Obeying her trainer once again, Ekans opened her mouth up wide, and fired off a barrage of poisonous stingers, all aimed at their Flying type opponent. "Ekans! Ekans!"

[Lamont]

An old man he may be, but the elder sage held no air of frailty about him. His features held a hard edge. Even the large bushy white eyebrows that angled up his chiseled face. Despite the effect coming together as a no-nonsense kinda guy, Elder Li held no malice toward either that stood before him. Cyndaquil had proven to be quite a pest over the years indeed, but in a way the expectation of its return to threaten their tower kept the other sages vigilant. As well, it provided a bit of excitement in this otherwise boring tower. At this point each side was nearly just roleplaying out their parts as they had done so many times before.

"Very good." His reply was brief but that was all that needed to be said. He was interested in seeing how this trainer fared. The shining bellsprout was already raring to go. After all that complimenting before he was eager to show this enthusiast just what he could do. The Elder noticed this. His mustache's downward v spread further apart as he grinned. "Good luck to you lad."

"Hoothoot, reply to the snake with a Peck attack. Sacred Sprout, give us a display of your might over even the fiery power of your foes." The orders were given. The battle sprung to life.

Snapping forward first was Venom's ekans. As if flying across the floor she slithered her way around the rotund owl, drawing his eyes away with her own slit beads. Her tail behind him, the sound of its intentional rattling provided the misdirection she desired. Hoothoot was startled, thinking the attack would instead be coming from behind and thus turning away to try and defend. Her plan a success she struck with her poison sting and coiled around the stubby avian. Though, that just gave Hoothoot the perfect opportunity to drop his beak into her leathery hide. It was a sloppy job. Miss timed among other things, causing very little discomfort to the snake.

On another part of the set battlefield the other two pokémon went at each other. Cyndaquil had eyes only for the golden bellsprout, so it closed in and smashed directly into it. The odd leafy pokémon arced back with the strike, head drooping nearly to the floor, but its roots remained planted hinting that Cyndaquil's attack was less effective than it initially appeared. What bit of success elated the fire mouse's hopes was swiftly dashed as the Sacred Sprout reprimanded Cyndaquil for the assault. In a lightning motion the unique bellsprout lashed the wild pokémon across the side with its vines. A loud snap cut through the air as the poor mouse was sent flying.

Elder Li took no joy in watching the battle, his face resuming a neutral expression as he watched each quarrel. When the fire pokémon was dealt a blow that left its stubby legs shaking to stand back up he actually seemed ever so slightly disappointed.
"Surely this isn't how you managed to get so far in this tower," he began in a soft tone, directing the comment to neither in particular. Instead his eyes looked from both Cyndaquil and Venom. "Working alone hasn't gotten you anything before Cyndaquil." The sage looked at the two expectantly.

---

Weather: None

Hoothoot | LV 10 | Insomnia
HP: 74% (26/35)
Status: -1 ATK
Used Peck on Ekans!

Sacred Sprout | LV 12 | Chlorophyll
HP: 83% (31/37)
Status: -1 ATK
Used Cut on Cyndaquil! Critical Hit!

VS

Ekans | LV 15 | Intimidate
HP: 92% (37/40)
Status: Normal
Used Poison Sting on Hoothoot!

Cyndaquil | LV 10 | Blaze
HP: 30% (9/30)
Status: Normal
Used Tackle on Sacred Sprout!

[Venominon]

On Ekans' side of the battle, Venom could see that she was holding her own very well. However, an expression of shock appeared on Venom's face when he saw Cyndaquil get sent flying by the one of a kind Bellsprout. "Cyndaquil!" With lightning speed, Venom moved behind Cyndaquil, catching the small Fire type Pokémon in his arms before it hit the ground. The ninja sighed in relief after he caught the fire mouse, then looked down at the small Pokémon, kneeling down and putting it down gently. Venom then turned his attention to the rare Bellsprout once more, quickly deducing that its unique coloring wasn't just for show. But then again, Venom expected that, as he then listened to what the elder had to say.

The elder's words reminded Venom of all the things Koga used to tell him back during his training, and Venom slowly came to the realization that their current strategy wasn't going to work. Putting on a more serious expression, Venom reached into his bag, and pulled out a single potion, holding it up to Cyndaquil. "This might sting a little, but please hold still Cyndaquil." Venom sprayed Cyndaquil with the potion, healing the injuries the sacred sprout had given it. "Listen Cyndaquil, this isn't working. We cant win if we don't work together as a team, and I refuse to let that happen now that we've reached the end. So lets both focus on that Bellsprout first. I know we can beat them, but it'll take our poison and your fire."

Once Venom had finished his little speech, he stood tall once again, facing their opponents with renewed determination. "We'll show you our resolve! Ekans, lets give that new move a try! Go underground, and use Dig on Bellsprout!" The Poison type trainer yelled out his next order, pointing right at the sacred sprout, and knowing they can beat it if they attack it together. "Ekans!" Ekans understood what her trainer was planning, and dug her way under the floor boards without missing a beat, despite the fact that they were on a higher floor and there was no actually ground beneath them. Once Ekans was out of sight, Venom turned to Cyndaquil once more. "And Cyndaquil, please use your Ember on Bellsprout too!" The ninja knew full well that Cyndaquil wasn't his Pokémon, and therefore had no reason to obey him, but he figured it was at least worth a try, and hoped that what he said to Cyndaquil before would make the small Fire type see reason.

OOC: Potion used on Cyndaquil.