The bug never falls fra from the tree (Gym) [DONE]

[Lamont]

Bugsy seemed to be snapped back to reality when Astrid replied, her laugh bringing but a second of color to his cheeks. He'd gotten ahead of himself again. The youthful gym leader chuckled quietly along with his challenger, "Haha, yeah sorry. I forget not everyone thinks a mile a minute," he commented softly then turning quiet to observe the interaction with other mantis. His smile returned while watching.

"You certainly have a unique training style Mrs," he started, giving Astrid plenty of time to arrange herself around the trolley. Bugsy put his hands behind his head and shuffled into a slightly more relaxed position himself. "It's almost a little unorthodox, not many people can take a back seat like that. Though, a lot of the trainers I encounter are just shy of my age so I may be missing the older perspective of battling," he laughed. His hands dropped and his visage turned to one of consideration as Astrid sat down. Smile broadening somehow even wider, the boy dropped to the ground and crossed his legs.

Fingers wrapping around his legs he leaned forward and eagerly listened to the elderly woman's next question. "My recommendation?" he repeated, lips skewing to the side in thought; eyes never leaving the stoic figure of Ove. "Well that's rather hard to say right now. I haven't seen him in action." Bugsy grinned suggestively. His eyes dropped to the retreating figure of Frida and he got excited again.
"Like... does he revel in the rush of a quick sweep?"

In time with Astrid fingering the pokéball of her swablu Bugsy withdrew one of his own. The same one as earlier. Thrown into the air out popped the familiar form of the female scyther simultaneous. She crossed her bladed arms and held a wide stance, piercing eyes glancing from Ove to the blue bird that was moving in to attack Kakuna. With barely a breath she went into action. A gust of green buzzing its way for Araceli during the dive. The flat of Scyther's arms slapped the swablu across the side and sent her straight to the ground. If it wasn't for being partly made of cloud it may have been a harsher fall, but it still left her reeling for a moment. Plenty of time for the green mantis to disappear back behind Bugsy and Kakuna to retain point on the battlefield.

"Sorry buddy," the gym leader mumbled. He knew what was coming. Kakuna knew what was coming. Araceli locked onto the bright yellow bug pokémon once again and returned some of the pain she had just been dealt. Flying forward she effortlessly delivered the final blow. Bugsy wasted no time in withdrawing his fainted bug and signaling for Scyther to take a permanent position as Astrid's final foe for the badge.

"You don't have to worry about that," he assured her, rocking back and forth happily. "As you can see that's sort of my strategy as well." Bugsy laughed lightly, "No reason to pull your punches. Each of your team covering for the rest is the whole point of having a team."


Bugsy Astrid

---

[attr="class","qkt-bkgd"]

[attr="class","qkt-wild-pkmn"]

[attr="class","qkt-clip"]Bugsy's Kakuna

LV 18
HP 0% [0/49]

[attr="class","qkt-wild-imgbox"]

[attr="class","qkt-pkmn-img"]

[attr="class","qkt-trainer-pkmn"]

[attr="class","qkt-clip"]Araceli

LV 18
HP 63% [31/49]

[attr="class","qkt-trainer-imgbox"]

[attr="class","qkt-pkmn-img"]

Bugsy's Kakuna [Shed Skin]: Fainted ... Switched to Scyther, Used U-Turn! (switch back to Kakuna)
Astrid's Araceli [Natural Cure]: Normal ... Switched with Frida, Used Peck!

---

KO!

---

Araceli grew to LV 21 and gained +1 Happiness! (+5)
She would like to learn Natural Gift; forget an old move?



Frida grew to LV 22 and gained +1 Happiness! (+3)



Sonja grew to LV 20 and gained +1 Happiness! (+5)
She would like to learn Fury Swipes; forget an old move?



Lorenz grew to LV 11 thanks to EXP Share!
He learned another Sketch

---

Bugsy's finally sending Scyther out to stay!
Will Astrid switch pokémon?

[Tarlar]

Astrid had a hint of a smile on her face as Bugsy talked about her being unorthodox in her way of acting during a pokemon battle. She waited until Bugsy had asked for Ove's preferences, while her scyther fidgeted under Bugsy's stare.
"To clear up about my battle style, I do not think it is the persective of battling that chances with age, it is more to know your limits and find the best way to work with them," Astrid corrected.
"I have not really tried battling before I reached my age but I am quite certain I would have done like most others and have guided my pokemon more during the battles," she said with a smile and added thoughtfully, "I might also be affected by the time i worked for the IPF, I was never an officer, oh no that was too scary for me, but I was a secretary and helped with all the paperwork. I have seen them in action a few times and while there is a clear hierarchy the pokemon are trained to think for themselves as they are might sent on a chase after a criminal alone or have to think fast to protect civilians."

"I guess it is hard to give suggestions when you do not know him," Astrid chuckled and looked fondly at Ove, "but i am pleased that you are not just saying all pokemon of the same species is the same."
"To be honest I do not know much about Ove's preferred style in battle, it is not that long ago he joined me, although we are old friends," Astrid said with a wink to Ove. Her scyther made an outstretched gesture with his scythes while shrugging.
"I think Ove says he do not know either," Astrid chuckled and Ove nodded.
"Most of your battling has been to avoid trainers capturing you, right?" Astrid asked him and Ove nodded again.
"Perhaps it will be easier when the battle here is over," Astrid said overly innocently.

No-one had expected Bugsy's next move in the battle, although it would make sense that a gym leader wouldn't just let their pokemon sit and be easy targets if they had another option.
Araceli had turned to be ready to dive down upon the kakuna when it suddenly disappeared and he was met with the sharp scythes of the female scyther. He crash landed on the ground and groaned as he rolled on to his stomach, only to see Kakuna out back in place again. He hurried into the air and was relieved that it didn't seem like he had gotten any major damage, which was what he made certain to give the yellow cocoon pokemon.

Araceli raised his chin as he looked challenging at Scyther while Astrid looked at her pokemon in turn, they all looked determined back except Sonja who rolled her eyes. It was now the last part of the battle and what they expected to be the hardest. And where Sonja excepted it all going down in hell.
"Araceli," Astrid said quietly and he turned around and soared back to her, his place was taken by another bird, Pia the pikipek.
"It is time Pia, show them what you got! Remember to Pluck!" Astrid called to Pia.
"Pikiii!" Pia chirped her battle cry and picked up speed, she would dart around Scyther until she found where she had hidden her berry and the use her tree pecking skills to pluck it from the bug.
Astrid hoped Pia would succeedas she had heard enough stories on how Scyther used a berry to turn the tides in the battle, and being able to endure longer than her opponents.

Wordcounts: 616
(OOC: Pia starts and uses Pluck. Araceli forgets Astonish for Natural Gift, Sonja doesn't learn Fury Swipes)

[Lamont]

There was definitely an interesting story behind the two. Bugsy could pick up that much. He sat at the edge of his seat, leaned forward and observing the too intently as they interacted. There were very few opportunities for Bugsy to see anyone else with bug pokémon beyond the common cocoon types or the little ones wandering through the lighter sections of Ilex forest. He was really hoping that his comment about not yet seeing what Ove could do would trigger a face-off between their mantis', but when Astrid called out another bird type his hopes were dashed. But he couldn't really blame her for choosing type advantage.

He tried not to let his disappointment show, construing his face into another bout of thought as he considered the best way to try and overcome the clear disadvantage he was put in. The hole only got deeper when Astrid made clear her intent with choosing this particular bird.
"Oh boy!" The words slipped from his lips as the surprise hit him. Pluck was certain doom to say the least. "Scyther, bulk up. Focus your energy and get ready to hit hard and fast at the next opportunity."

She did as told. Putting up her guard and meditating. A sheen overtook her body. Her scythes for arms looking ever sharper as Pia closed in. It was a daunting sight, the scyther, but Pia had circled a few times by now and was certain she had a good opening to pluck the berry from Scyther's grasp. She darted in and nipped the golden berry with ease, her beak tearing across the bug type's abdomen in the process. It was more than just a staggering blow, and with the bonus of robbing Scyther from being able to recover from it. Pia made sure Scyther was watching when she gobbled the berry down.

"Looks like this is going to be over sooner than I thought," Bugsy chuckled. He leaned back and sighed quietly, settling himself back into a relaxed position on the ground. Then it hit him. What Astrid has said an age ago amidst all the other tidbits about her experience and history with Ove. Like before he was so involved with the battle and her scyther his brain was slow to catch up on other details.

"Wait, you were in the IPF!" he shouted suddenly. "Wow. Even if you weren't an officer, that's still a job deserving thanks. Just think. If you weren't there then all those officers out on the streets protecting everyone would have to be stuck in an office doing paperwork." He paused, smile still brimming across his face. "No wonder you're a natural with pokémon, even if you only just recently started in the league. Nothing draws them in like a kind heart and confident leadership."


Bugsy Astrid

---

[attr="class","qkt-bkgd"]

[attr="class","qkt-wild-pkmn"]

[attr="class","qkt-clip"]Scyther

LV 21
HP 52% [34/66]

[attr="class","qkt-wild-imgbox"]

[attr="class","qkt-pkmn-img"]

[attr="class","qkt-trainer-pkmn"]

[attr="class","qkt-clip"]Pia

LV 21
HP 100% [52/52]

[attr="class","qkt-trainer-imgbox"]

[attr="class","qkt-pkmn-img"]

Scyther [Technician]: +2 CRIT ... Used Focus Energy!
Pia [Skill Link]: Normal ... Used Pluck! Stole Sitrus Berry & ate it!

[Tarlar]

"Well done Pia, well done!" Astrid praised her bird as she nimbly stole the berry in a not so kind way and gobbled it down. She didn't get much out of its energy now she had just entered the battle but she enjoyed the look on Bugsy's and Scyther's face as she ate their berry.
"That's how you do it when you focus on your training!" She declared loudly to no-one in particular, she just found the one around her to be too lax about training.
"Keep your guard up Pia, Scyther can come with some nasty surprises now," Astrid warned her pikipek who huffed dismissively, she was certain she could handle it.
She picked up speed and began circling the bug once again but found it much harder to find a good opening like the last time.

Astrid had noticed Bugsy's hidden disappointment when Ove was not sent out to battle but Astrid knew Bugsy's scyther was much more than he could handle on his own.
She got distracted by Bugsy's question, she looked mouth agape at him. Then she smiled and shook her head.
"It was just a job Bugsy, it was a coincidence that I got a job for the police and not for some other kind og business who needed a secretary, no need to thank me," she said and tried to brush it off.
"If being kind is what makes you a natural with something, then most I know are that. You are giving me way too much credit, the team work between a trainer and their pokemon does not depend on the trainer's acting alone. Team work is about knowing each other and how the other thinks, it just means that you have spent a lot of time together and know each other. I am having it even more easy as I do not have much team work with my pokemon during the battles, I am just there if they need me and try to collect the informations and make a working tactic when I ask them to do such challenging thing like this," Astrid explained and gestured towards Bugsy and his gym.
"As for leadership that does not come from running at the heels of some officer and write down what is happening around him, and then rewrite it all on a computer afterwards, that comes from having a couple of children and grandchildren to look after," She laughed.
"The only one I have ever had a leadership above other than my children was the smeargle I worked together with while being a secretary," Astrid told and Lorenz turned to look at her surprised. He hadn't know that and wondered if that was the reason the other human had giftet him to the old woman, and he pouted of the thought of having to use his art skills to fill boring papers.

Astrid wasn't certain Bugsy would understand as she knew it could be hard to get others to stop holding someone in high regard. Often no harm was done by that but Astrid preferred not to be put on a piedestal.
"I can thank you for you great work of being a gym leader. It is a great job you are doing taking on so many challengers, and being willing to risk your pokemon getting burned and pecked several times a day, just for the youngsters to get a badge and teach them a lesson about how to train their pokemon. It keeps a lot of them out of trouble and teaches them to work towards a goal and how to handle losing," Astrid said gratefully and watched Bugsy's expression closely.

Pia made a sharp turn and caught Astrid's attention.
"Oh right, sorry Pia! Keep back a bit this time, we need to learn how to best to do this," Aglaia reminded the pikipek who swung around to break her attack.
She chirped annoyed but stayed with the plan they had trained so much, instead she let her frustration out on Scyther and attacked her furiously with her wings and beak.

wordcount: 679
(ooc: Pia uses Fury Attack)
""

[Lamont]

It was Bugsy's turn to blush as the compliments came his way. The elderly woman's response to his praise made him giggle. Her modesty showing in spades. The young boy rocked back and forth in his cross-legged position, listening to every bit she said with great interest once he was finished his quiet chuckles. She was certainly insightful and full of all kinds of experience the bug encyclopedia could never hope to get in his lifetime; because he'd be focused too much on the forest underbelly bolstering his knowledge of all things bugs.

"Well, you may not have had a front seat in everything like you say but that doesn't mean you didn't gain any good skills from it. Leadership is taught to an extent, and I can't think of too many better jobs that have you in such close roles with pokémon in an leadership hierarchy," he made his short reply and then added, "'Cept maybe being a gym leader!" Bugsy laughed lightly.

"We certainly take the brunt of a lot of stuff on a daily basis," he continued, looking to his scyther now; of who was intently watching the bird fly circles around her. "So I guess it's not all too different from the IPF ey? Just a different kinda clientele."


The two trainers had gotten so caught up in their conversation their pokémon had to catch their attention for the battle to continue. Pia did the most of it. The sudden turn toward Scyther got the bug excited. Her wings buzzed as she raised her scythes in preparation for another attack, but Astrid called it off for a different strategy. Bugsy chuckled quietly again as his mantis pokémon huffed her annoyance at the stalling.
"Sorry Scyther. Back in the game now," he assured her. She huffed loudly, talons digging into the ground as she primed herself. "Go on and strut your stuff. Show that bird a thing or two about speed."

If Pia hadn't had such a trained eye the next move of Scyther's would have seemed like she teleported. A blaze of speed accompanied by the hum of membrane wings were suddenly right in the pikipek's face. In the next second something had hit her so hard she went flying into a near tree. Branches cut into her feathery hide as she tumbled through the canopy, only stopping once a thick crossing of woody fingers caught her. Even Bugsy was surprised, gasping from the other side of the battlefield.
"Did we overdo it..?" he asked hesitantly, eyes peering into the wake of falling leaves for a sign of movement.

The tree Pia was sent crashing into was quiet for a time as she collected herself. Her annoyance fueled her muscles with adrenaline but she was barely clinging to consciousness. Despite the new blanket of pain throughout her body her head was clear, and like a speeding bullet of her own making she zipped out of the tree straight for Scyther. She unleashed a chaotic flurry of attacks all around the large bug pokémon, making it all the more difficult to block the string of furious blows. Eventually Scyther managed to harmlessly swat the bird away, but it had taken quite a toll on her. Both pokémon were breathing heavily, marred by the recent attacks.


Bugsy Astrid

---

[attr="class","qkt-bkgd"]

[attr="class","qkt-wild-pkmn"]

[attr="class","qkt-clip"]Scyther

LV 21
HP 10% [7/66]

[attr="class","qkt-wild-imgbox"]

[attr="class","qkt-pkmn-img"]

[attr="class","qkt-trainer-pkmn"]

[attr="class","qkt-clip"]Pia

LV 21
HP 17% [9/52]

[attr="class","qkt-trainer-imgbox"]

[attr="class","qkt-pkmn-img"]

Scyther [Technician]: +2 CRIT ... Used Quick Attack! Critical Hit!
Pia [Skill Link]: Normal ... Used Fury Attack! Hit 5 Times

[Tarlar]

Pia widened her eyes as she realized how fast the scyther was, but it didn't help her at all as she barely got time to understand what was happening before the scythes slammed into her and sent her crashing into one of the trees. Her head slammed against a branch and she was momentarily knocked out as she continued through the treetop.
She woke when she fell sideways onto a branch and continued to slide off it towards the ground, she turned in the air and instinctively grasped a small branch that she passed with her talons, and then she hung there with her head down and wings limp.
Slowly the daze left her and she took a look around, she could see the broken twigs from her fall and she was still pretty far high up. She was glad she hadn't fallen all the way down.
Her fee obviously worked so she checked her wings, they were full of leaves and broken feathers but a few careful movements with them told her they weren't broken, hopefully she hadn't too few working feathers so she couldn't fly!
She managed to get upright on top of the branch, she was sore all over but it only fueled her anger and made her feel ashamed. She was training hard and then one hit from an opponent almost knocked her out cold, she winced as she pulled a twig out from her wing and then the worst of the damaged feathers, although to her almost losing and being showned how little she could do despite her training was the worst of it all.
Pia flapped her wings experimentally, they seemed like they could carry her and then glared determinedly through the canopy, she couldn't accept this and despite her body protesting she threw herself from the branch and flapped hard to pick up speed and stay airborne.
Had she had teeth she would have snarled at Scyther but now she just let the adrenaline drown out the pain and furiously attacked the bug with everything she got. When she got swatted away she landed on the ground ungracefully and stood panting and with shaking limbs. She still stared determined at Scyther and refused to give up despite her body screaming for her to stop.

Astrid had half risen as Pia had scrashed into the tree, she didn't answer Bugsy's question as she just shocked stared at where her pikipek had disappeared.
"Pia?" Astrid called out nervously but got no answer, she stood op and got ready to go look for her but expected to find her fainted. Hopefully she was alright otherwise.
A little black arrow zipped out from the treetop and Astrid gasped as she recognized her pikipek and saw vigorously she attacked until she was sent sprawling on to the ground.
Astrid exchanged a quick glance with Ove.
"Pia, that is more than enough come here, you more than deserve a good rest," Astrid called and the air went out of the ballon. Pia slumped and without a second glance she turned her back to Scyther and began to limp back towards Astrid, who watched her worried.
Ove took a few steps forward and Pia stopped to look at him.
"If we win this it will be because of you," he told her quietly and a glint of pride was seen in her eyes before pain took over and she limped the side of Astrid's trolley where she collapsed. Astrid bend down with a hand outstretched but Pia turned her head away and Astrid slowly sat down again, she kept sending the pikipek worried looks.

Ove walked over the grass to face his female counterpart, his expression was serious as he knew this would be his biggest challenge yet and not one he would have been able to do on his own.
Astrid had set it up in the hope of helping him learn as much as possible, beside giving them the biggest chance of winning the gym badge. He could not let them down.
He let his scythes' sharp edges run against each other in a wordless challenge to Her and took a battle stance to show he was ready when she was. He knew she was going to outspeed him so he was going to wait for her to come to him, and then retaliate with his scythes.

Wordcount: 732
(ooc: Pia switches with Ove, Bugsy gets what he wished for Ove uses False Swipe)

[Lamont]

This battle was almost getting to be too much. A wash of relief came over the young gym leader when Pia returned to the fold and dished out a flurry of blows. The effort was taxing after the damage she'd taken, but it was valiant nonetheless. Bugsy had to commend her for that. But what happened next swept away all other thoughts. The showdown was upon them. The young lad jumped to his feet as the shiny scyther stepped forward in place of the exotic bird.
"Now we'll get to see..." he spouted excitedly, unable to contain himself.

His own scyther was worse for wear. She stood stoically, attempting to keep her panting minimal in the face of her new opponent, but it was still all to clear. Bugsy's mantis took a deep breath and rolled her shoulders. She positioned her arms in a cross and readied. Despite looking so similar the two couldn't be more opposite.

"I'll leave this one up to you okay?" Bugsy stood, eager to see the next bouts unfold. When it seemed both were ready it began. Again, the female mantis set off in a blur of speed. Ove was as prepared as he could be having seen what she did to Pia a moment ago. He'd set up a commendable defense but still she managed to find a weak spot. Zipping around behind she caught an opening as her opponent turned to catch her strike. However, her speed was but a quick burst. Weariness caught up to her and allowed Ove the perfect opportunity to display some expertise of his own.

He made a calculated swipe. Damaging but not critical. The female scyther hurried back, barely managing to stay standing as she stumbled back. She looked at the other with a questioning look. He'd had the perfect chance to end it right there but instead chose to allow her to keep fighting.

From the side Bugsy watched with great interest. Taking mental notes of all the movements and decisions. He absentmindedly nodded his head, hand to his chin.


Bugsy Astrid

---

[attr="class","qkt-bkgd"]

[attr="class","qkt-wild-pkmn"]

[attr="class","qkt-clip"]Scyther

LV 21
HP 1% [1/66]

[attr="class","qkt-wild-imgbox"]

[attr="class","qkt-pkmn-img"]

[attr="class","qkt-trainer-pkmn"]

[attr="class","qkt-clip"]Ove

LV 19
HP 57% [35/61]

[attr="class","qkt-trainer-imgbox"]

[attr="class","qkt-pkmn-img"]

Scyther [Technician]: +2 CRIT ... Used Quick Attack! Critical Hit!
Ove [Technician]: Normal ... Used False Swipe!

[Tarlar]

Ove was not trying to go nice on his opponent, she was way too scary for that. The move he had used wasn't just a real strike and while it did damage his target it always left them with some energy, he had practiced it so much he found it impossible to put more strength into it and using it to finish his opponents off when needed. He hoped that the female scyther didn't saw it as he went easy on her and then took it as an insult, she hit hard enough already and he didn't needed to feel it when she got really angry on top of that.
Ove jumped towards her and would attempt to get his scythes on each side of her and then move them away so fast they would create a vacuum around her. He knew it wouldn't hurt much as he had tried it himself, but hopefully it would do enough to give him the victory, even though he still had the longest straw it would not continue that way if he did not manage to end this battle quickly.

Astrid stayed quiet as her only job was to send in another pokemon if Ove felt it necessary, but for now he looked like he was doing alright. Araceli was ready beside her if needed but for now the rest of the pokemon followed the battle intensely as this would be the final showdown.
Lorenz had sat down below a tree and part of him wished he could participate and feel the thrill of a challenging battle, but he knew his skills was not in that direction and that he would either never stand a chance or his opponent would be as weak and unimpressive like himself.
He was pleased with his painting and that was what he really burned for, only downside was that others couldn't see the value of it and dismissed it before taking a proper look. He sighed, he probably just wished to be recognized and not standing in the shade of great battlers all the time, he glanced at the pokemon he whose team he was on, how many of those felt the same?

Sonja's dismissive expression had changed slightly as she too could see how worn out the female scyther looked by now, she had a hint of disbelieve shown, could they really were about to win this? But that would be impossible.
She spared a glance at the old lady that was called their trainer, they followed her planning and unbelievable it looked like it was going to work! How was that possible?!
Sonja narrowed her eyes as she looked back at the two scythers facing each other. The battle was not over yet and it could turn out as she had expected from the beginning, but she had to admit to herself that Astrid had done some things right for this challenge.

Wordcount: 487
(ooc: Ove uses Vacuum Wave)

[Lamont]

Despite her weariness the opposing Scyther did her best to try and keep up an offensive position. Huffing, her legs quivering under the weight of her own body, she rapidly thought up how she should proceed with the fight. She didn't want to be a one-trick pony, but her speed was what was so far allowing her to keep an advantage over those facing her. The female mantis took a deep breath, widening her stance and bowing down in preparation for another burst of speed. Nothing fancy this time. Just straight ahead to her target.

Powerful legs and a loud buzz of her wings signaled her start. But Ove had seen this far too many times for her maneuvering to come as any surprise. In fact, he'd planned on it. As she set off he jumped forward to catch her off guard instead. He landed expertly, just with enough distance that her own mobility would bring her into his prepared attack. She couldn't stop in time. Ove's scythes flushed outward and created a vacuum where once they had crossed and now stood an exhausted bug.

She was out before she even knew what had hit her. Her inertia carrying her forward as she collapsed, sliding across the grass for quite a few feet before finally coming to a rest. Bugsy watched in near shock, jaw dropped at the amazing conclusion to their battle.

"Wow," he spoke in a near whisper as he collected himself. The boy shook his head and slapped his cheeks, a brimming smile shining on his face. "That was amazing!"

Bugsy rushed forward to get a close look at Ove before he could retreat back to Astrid. He hadn't really had much opportunity to see a shiny in person, and Astrid's scyther in particular was a prime specimen.
"You're going to go far Ove," he spoke confidently, nodding at the tall pokémon and then leaning over to view Astid, "And you, all of you!" The young lad rushed over to recall his own scyther and to stand before the elderly woman. A hand was already digging through his deep short pockets as he moved, presenting his challenger with a simple box once he had stopped in front of her.

"You've well earned your next badge, and I've thrown in a little bonus for you: U-Turn," Bugsy explained as he offered the bundle to her. After she took it he put his hands on his hips and smiled at her, "Having seen him in battle now, I'd say he's a very calculating one isn't he? Cool-headed, a bit of a bulwark even. Scizor may be a great path for him to go," the bug master suggested, though not too strongly as ultimately it was hers and Ove's decision.

"I look forward to meeting you again someday Astrid. Should be exciting to see how far we both can go." The boy chuckled then playfully tossed his scyther's pokéball in the air. "Good luck on your travels! I better get my girls fixed up."

And with that he waved her and her company goodbye.

---

VICTORY!

---

Ove grew to LV 22 and gained +1 Happiness! (+3)
He's trying to learn Wing Attack; forget an old move?



Pia grew to LV 22 and gained +1 Happiness! (+3)



Lorenz grew to LV 12 thanks to EXP Share!






What's this!?

Pia's trying to evolve! Allow it?

---

1,800  

Bugsy awarded Astrid with the Hive Badge and some other goodies for her victory!
Congratulations! You can now make Lei

[Tarlar]

Ove eyed the other scyther, he could see she was exhausted but her determination to go on impressed him and made him wary of her. She could easily have more tricks up in her non-existing sleeves.
He didn't think much while he executed his move but he stood dumbfounded when she collapsed in front of him and he looked confused as she slid over the grass before he stood still.
For a few heartbeats the only sound was a mild breeze rustling the leaves of the trees.

When Bugsy exclaimed it was amazing, several dumbstruck faces turned to look at him.
Ove took a few wary footsteps backwards when Bugsy suddenly rushed at him but he relaxed as he got praised. He smiled a bit bashfully and gave the gym leader a polite bow. He looked back with Bugsy towards the rest, who still sat and had a hardd time believing the battle was really over and that they had won.
Astrid got to her feet as Bugsy reached her, she looked rather dazed as it had been a really tough battle, especially for Pia. They had prepared for it for so long and now, now it was over and they would have to find something else to do. It was weird, but Astrid actually felt a bit empty inside, this was a major goal they had reached, now what?
She smiled to the gym leader when he gave his advice.
"Thank you Bugsy, we will see what we end up with. I do not think it will be right away, but the right time will come," She said kindly and accepted the badge and the Tm.
"Thank you for everything Bugsy, it is nice to get some expert suggestions once in a while. We might go far but help will always be welcome, it is much harder to do it all on your own."

Astrid watched smiling as Bugsy left, and Ove made his way over to the others.
Sonja was sitting with her jaws wide open, what had just happened here? It should have been impossible but nonetheless Astrid had managed to get the team through the ordeal, how had that just happened?
Pia slowly got to her feet, her heart beating as it slowly sunk into her mind that they had won the battle.
"PIIIII!" She screamed triumphically and got enveloped in a bright light. It broke when big black and white wings beat out and Pia shot up and took a race around the dome in her new bigger and stronger form.
"Pia! You look great! Come alone, we should celebrate and relax, you certainly all deserve this!" Astrid called and when the trumbeak landed proudly beside her, she lead the way out.
Sonja trailed slowly after deep in thoughts.

Wordcounts: 464
(Pia evolves! Ove forgets Agility to learn Wing Attack, I'd like for him to forget Vacuum Wave to learn U-turn Tm please.)