Rhododendron hideaway

[Thirdie]

Martin Growth

Gardener

A few days went by before Martin started exploring what Azalea had to offer for real. The impromptu trip through Union Cave had made it, so Martin didn't feel in much of any hurry, and he still felt a bit under the weather after his adventures before then. The continued fog did a lot to dampen his enthusiasm too. While still deciding what to do next, he paid a visit to another estate on the same route he had just left behind. He had also listened around town for worthwhile things to do or jobs to take on as a gardener. Nothing had immediately caught his attention, though there was this one woman who were looking for a Beautiful and offered a grass type in trade for it. Martin had made sure it was actually a grass type he didn't have yet; which was true enough; and then low key went on the lookout for a Beautifly. Not that he had known an awful lot about that particular line of bugs, but after doing some research and familiarising himself with the resident bug experts, he had finally figured out, that the most likely way to get a hold of said beauty was simply evolving a 'Wurmple'. Martin had sighed heavily to himself at the realisation. It was such a cumbersome thing but he did want that Morelull, so in the end he found another trainer willing to sell the bug.

Now, one Wurmple richer and considerable bored from lack of ideas to do anything else, Martin simply decided to get in some training despite the foggy weather. He had heard about another, rarer, grass type only hanging about in something called headbuttable trees, so he had to bring Skarn along for sure. The lion cub was one of his more noisier cats, so he decided she could use the practise of having the amulet coin swinging from her neck. The last additions to his training was a bit harder to decide, so he shortened the list, and only went with two more, the Cottonee August and the Burmy Chida. The Burmy got to keep the experience share. August and Skarn would be doing the heavy work. For just today Martin's main focus would be the Wurmple. He still hadn't settled on which of his garden Pokemon he should be facing Bugsy with. The decision was important, and he didn't want to rush it. Besides, he still had some research to do on what opponent the gym leader would bring to a challenge.

His mind only half on the day's task at hand, Martin hopped down the ledge to route 33 and tried to get an overview of the area hiding in the swirling fog. "Where to start?" he mumbled to himself, and stepped into the tall grass growing along the tree line. Beside him the jingle of the coin around Skarn's neck caught his attention. "You're making noise, Skarn," he admonished, and the cub flicked her ears and tried to move more fluid.

Wordcount: 502
(Ooc: Burmy stays on team.
Skarn, August and the Wurmple replaces Dros, Oddend and Palus. Skarn gets the Amulet Coin from Palus.
For another thread Baal and Tom replaces Blue and Phyllis)

[Tarlar]

It was a day like any other for the wild pokemon on route 33. It was much less crowded than the earlier routes around Cherrygrove and Violet, and as Azalea Town was secluded between the mountain range and Ilex forest, the pokemon around here had a lot less experience with trainers and human related stuff in general.
A poochyena who had been living in this area for years now was sprawled out on the grass between a small waterfall, which was merely a creek splashing into a small pool below. The mist which usually rose from it was invisible in the fog which had claimed the area these days but the wolf didn't mind the cold, it had already begun to grow its thick winter coat. It was a loner, having left its pack quite some time ago in the search of something better, which it hadn't found yet, although to be honest, it was fine by being by itself and the freedom it gave, so it was in no hurry to find anyone else of its kind.

The wolf's ear twitched as faint jingle made its way through the fog, and the black furred pokemon rolled to its stomach and listened.
Its curiosity had been tingled and it got to its feet, and slowly made its way through the fog towards the unknown sound. It knew to be careful as there could be some nasty surprises out here, it glanced at a pair of mankeys in a tree but it managed to get past them unnoticed. The small pond and a dry lair, just the right size for a single poochyena, it had found since it had been curios, who knew, perhaps this strange unfamiliar jingle would lead to something good as well?

It paused and sniffed as both unknown and well-known smells reached its nose. Human. That meant it would have to be extra careful and it hesitated a moment since the sound might just come from the human, but it couldn't resist and continued forward.
It stopped abruptly as the form of another poochyena took form and a low growl escaped it before it caught itself and backed into a bush. The human was with the other poochyena and it preferred not to be seen by that. Had the fog not been present, and hand the wolf not been so focused on smell of human, it would probably have noticed that the other poochyena didn't smell of poochyena, and that she had some very round and light ears compared to other pooches.
The wild wolf waited until they had passed it and then attempted to sneak around behind them to get closer to Skarn and figure out some more about this 'poochyena' and the strange jingling she made. Since this was a wolf who usually hunted by running its prey tired, it wasn't exactly the most stealthy or quiet pokemon, as it sneaked around them.

Poochyena [LV 15] is investigating what that strange noise is.
og will be in effect.

Berry/headbutt tree: 1|8Dk|ZC1-8
Shiny: 1-421-8·1-42

[Thirdie]

Martin Growth

Gardener

The occasional jingle from Skarn wasn't enough to drown out other noises around them, so Martin didn't warn her again. The sound of his own voice would be a giveaway too, and if Skarn was to learn, she would have to become aware of the danger herself. Martin went on pretending to be deep in thought, but he was alert enough to notice when a small growl escaped a Pokemon's throat somewhere in front of them. Skarn heard it too, he noticed, as the coin gave a louder jingle in her surprise. He glanced back to see her head raised high in curiosity, but continued walking like he hadn't heard a thing. He was curious himself how Skarn would behave in her role as the one out for 'protection', but having his own agenda for the excursion he also kept a hand ready on the Wurmple's Pokeball. He felt a thrill down his back as they passed the bush he was rather certain the wild Pokemon had hidden in, and he very carefully kept his eyes on the ground in front of him, while he listened to anything that might move behind them after they passed.

~
Skarn was confused with her current situation. She wasn't stupid. She knew her trainer didn't think highly of her. She had gotten very certain actually, that he didn't like her very much. He kept her fed though, and he had brought her along on occasions to show just how amazingly strong she was, and if he kept her for her strength, she fully understood that, but here and now it was just her for now and no jobs to do or orders to follow. Except that annoying coin Thief loved so much, and that she was to be quiet. How could you be quiet when every movement set the coin in motion? Oh, and what had that noise been? Skarn smelled the air, forgetting the coin for a moment. Martin walked on though, and if she knew one thing for sure, she was to stay by him at all times unless told otherwise. Was she meant to 'tell' him of the thing she had heard? She turned her head this way and that, trying to move her neck smooth enough that the coin would stay silent. There was definitely something. Someone who wanted to play perhaps? But then why were they hiding? She heard feet rustle through the grass and looked back trying to pinpoint the body hiding somewhere. 'Show yourself!' she hissed in the general direction she thought she heard it. This action made Martin stop and turn around, and Skarn realised looking up in his face that he had been waiting for some sort of reaction from her. His eyes held no surprise in them. He was just ready to act, and act he did. Red light flashed in front of Skarn, and she backed off to make room for whoever he had deemed worthy to battle. The sight disappointed her greatly. Really? A larva was better than her?

~
The first thing Wurmple did out of the Pokeball again was look at the grass around herself. It was still cold but mostly everything was covered in white mist, and fog at least was familiar ground to her. Everything else felt wrong though. The air didn't smell the same. The Pokemon around her were different. What had happened to the Squirtle that had tried to help her? But more importantly, where had her home disappeared to? She had just made the resolution to find her home again, when the human behind her spoke. "Back, Wurmple. August will take it from here." Wurmple only got a glimpse of the human before she was pulled back into the ball, and she struggled to get her bearings. How did one experience anything from these enclosed spaces? She tried to wriggle around herself. At least it was warm in the place, but she missed her freedom fiercely. Somehow she got a small glimpse of light at a turn of her currently non-existent body and she realised she could hear muffled things from the outside. The same voice was speaking as before "Use Fairy Wind, August."

Wordcount: 698
(Ooc: Wurmple first. August changes in and uses Fairy Wind
Gave Wurmple some updates to her profile.)


[b]Wurmple[/b]
Name:
Gender: [font color="pink"]Female[/font]
Level: 6
OT: Yui Maki
Attacks: String Shot, Tackle, Poison Sting
Ability: Shield Dust
Nature/Personality: Confident in her ability to handle herself in the world, but inexperienced and naive about anything that isn't her home in summer.

[antonius]

The poochyena thought it is going to get the drop on the new foe but to its surprise, the human switched in and out several Pokemon. The first opponent the dog Pokemon thought it had is a wurmple but then it is quickly switched out for a floating ball of cotton. Poochyena didn't like the whole switching around so it bit down on the floating cottonee. In retaliation, the cotton ball hit the poochyena is hit with an unusual wind and it hurt badly. It takes the poochyena a few moments to shake itself back to normal from being hit so hard. It then takes another bite out of the cotton ball.

>>Hey now, what is up with all of the switching? It can confuse a Pokemon on who is the actual target.<<

Down deep the poochyena knows it can't take another shot like it did a few moments ago.

Wild Encounter

---

Weather: Fog

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

[attr="class","qkt-wild-pkmn"]
Poochyena LV 1
HP 50% [20/40]

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

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

[attr="class","qkt-trainer-pkmn"]
August LV 15
HP 66% [27/41]

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

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

Poochyena [Ability]: Normal
August [Ability]: Prankster

SP++ August Switches in!
SP20 Poochyena used bite!

SP29 August used Fairy Wind!
SP20 Poochyena used bite!

[Thirdie]

Martin Growth

Gardener

August giggled in delight at the Poochyena's confusion. He might not have gotten to truly play to his prankster heart in this fight, but since the Poochyena was already bothered before August came on the scene he didn't feel let-down by it. On the contrary he was thrilled the trainer had managed to pull such a splendid trick on the wild opponent. Maybe he had misjudged Martin last time around. "What?" he purred with sweet innocence dripping from his cotton voice. "A Poochyena who doesn't know how to fight like a flock?" August went on, twirling around the would-be predator like it was the prey. "Where have you been sleeping all by yourself?"

~
Martin watched the Cottonee's antics in stony silence. It wasn't like he couldn't appreciate a bit of toying with the enemy, but he got a strong sense the Cottonee was too careless and maybe even hard to control. He hadn't had the time to familiarize himself with the fluffball well enough yet. Sadly, that was the case for many of his acquired Pokemon lately. "Enough of that, August. Get it over with and give it another Fairy Wind." He interrupted gruffly half a minute later. The Cottonee halted and glanced his way, before calling up another glittering wind with some hesitance.

Wordcount: 214
(Ooc: August uses Fairy Wind
If battle ends, I would like to use the multiplier on Wurmple)

[Caramell 🍬]

The shaggy grey canine folded its ears against its head. The Poochyena’s eyes narrowed down on the small puff of cotton as it began to growl. Who did this floating tumbleweed think it was, trying to hurl insults at the wild canine?! Poochyena were known to hunt in packs, why would this Pokemon suspect that it wasn’t already roaming the area with more of its own kind?! It didn’t matter if the Poochyena had taken to being alone most of its life so far, that was none of the cotton-puff's concern!

“Listen here ya little floating puff of air!” The Poochyena took in a deep breath of air as it began to hurl back its own insults. “You don’t know me or what I’m capable of. I only want you to choose whose gunna fight be bravely without all this hullabaloo of ya’ll switchin’ between each other cuz ya got scared after seeing how impressive my sharp teeth are!” Its paws dug into the fresh dirt of the earth, kicking up blades of grass. The small dark type canine prepared to rush at the other Pokemon and slip in close for another bite, but August began whipping up a powerful wind attack.

The thick, strange powdery wind enveloped the shaggy grey canine as bright, vibrantly pink glittering debris spun in a rapid succession all about. It sliced and cut into the Poochyena’s flesh, slipping underneath its shaggy fur. The wild dog whimpered loudly as the remainder of its will to fight was pulled away from it and the wild canine kicked up its feet and high-tailed it back into the woods. “You’ll be sorry!” These were the last words spoken by the dark-type Pokemon before it made its hasty getaway.

Wild Encounter

---

Weather: Fog

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

[attr="class","qkt-wild-pkmn"]
Poochyena LV 15
HP 0% [0/40]

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

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

[attr="class","qkt-trainer-pkmn"]
August LV 15
HP 66% [27/41]

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

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

Poochyena [Ability]: Normal
August [Prankster]: Normal

SP29 August used Fairy Wind!
SP20 Poochyena fainted!!

---

Wurmple gained +2 Levels!
^{Multiplier + Participation}
Wurmple increased to Level 8!

Wurmple is trying to evolve!

Let Wurmple evolve into Silcoon?
Ability will change to Shed Skin.
Can Learn Harden upon evolution.


August gained +3 levels!
August increased to level 18!
August is trying to learn Growth!
Forget move and let August learn Growth?

[Thirdie]

Martin Growth

Gardener

August laughed outright at the Poochyena's angry response. It only proved to show that his prodding had been succesful at flustering the wild Pokemon even further, and the attempted badmouthing washed off August like a drizzle of rain. He danced a little livelier in the air as if to prove just how much of a fluffball he was. "Oh, you misunderstand much, if you think bravery has anything to do in a fight. It's all about being clever!" He laughed, not at all concerned with how arrogant he sounded or acted. Martin's order did more to put a pout in his movements, but only because it brought an end to his fun, and he could have gotten so much more out of teasing the canine, if Martin had let him. When all was said and done he was left watching the tail disappear somewhere ahead with an empty threat hanging unrecognized in the air. August didn't get to ponder the end result as Martin recalled him with a mere mumble.

~

Martin wasted no time in getting August under control in his Poekball and afterwards spend a moment checking up on the Wurmple. Mainly to see if the short second in front of the Poochyena had been enough to trigger anything, which turned out surprisingly well. The wurmple evovled. Satisfied with the progress towards his goal for the day, he settled back into walking leisurely with Skarn a few steps behind.

Wordcount: 240
(Ooc: Wurmple evolves. August doesn't learn Growth. Burmy is holding an exp share, so should get a lvl too.)

[Tarlar]

The fog thickened and didn't look like it was planning on doing something else for quite some time, so it swirled around Martin and Skarn as they strolled through. There were plenty of sounds of pokemon rummaging around but nothing showed itself, how much of it would Martin had been able to see if the fog hadn't hidden them from his view?

Something else came into view, laying in the middle of the road. It was a pecha berry.

It was seemingly fresh and looked really tempting although a bit displaced as there were no berry bushes around, just a mixture of ash trees and oaks, which certainly didn't produce berries like this. There were no visible owner around but as Martin or Skarn stepped closer to the berry, a snicker could be heard from above.
"Mankey!" A seemingly angry voice called from up there and the pokemon bearing that name dropped to the ground on the other side of the berry. It smacked the ground with its palms threateningly but looked really pleased.
"Thief! That's my berry, now you are going to pay the price!" It shouted and raced forward clearly not caring about if it smashed the berry on the way or not, it just wanted a battle and thought this had been a great way to start one.

Mankey [LV 9] is apparently angry that you have laid eyes on the berry.
Fog will be in effect.

(ooc: Chida gains +1 level and is not [LV 16], pecha added to inventory)

Shiny: u9iBERah1-421-42

[Thirdie]

Martin Growth

Gardener

The foggy weather refused to relent as the hours passed on, and despite Martin's hope of the opposite he had to admit it might be too late in the season for the sun to really be able to burn the fog away quickly. Instead he listened to the sound of life around them and the faint continued jingle of the coin around Skarn's neck. She obviously wasn't as fast a learner as Thief, or maybe her motivation wasn't in the right place. She did seem particular interested in any unknown sound in the hidden world just outside their view. Martin armed himself with patience with a quiet sigh, and went on with a relaxed leisure he didn't truly feel. He just wanted to find an easy target, so he could be done training that Wurmple, now Silcoon. The only sign of his restlessness was the fingers still grapping around the Silcoon's pokeball ready to call out in a moment's notice.

The first unusual sight that met them after the Poochyena was a Pecha berry smack in the middle of their path. Martin stopped short, alarm bells ringing in his head and demanding caution. His movement halted so fast and unpredictable that Skarn happened to bounce against the back of his legs, and Martin nearly stumbled loosing his grip on the Pokeball in his hand. He watched the Silcoon ball roll as in slow motion and heard the unmistakably sound of the opening followed by the flash. The next moment an angry looking monkey was charging straight at the unmoving Silcoon. Martin reacted on instinct reaching for one of his few emergency balls, a quick ball, and threw it, while words jumbled out of his mouth in warning: "Watch it!"

~~

Silcoon was still confused about her current situation, but somehow the warmth of the hand clutched around the holding sphere felt comforting, almost like her old nest in summer. The only thing better would be a meal, and lo and behold the berry just lying out there ready for the taking. Martin had no way of knowing, but it was Silcoon herself that forced herself out of the sphere as it fell to the ground, and with no mind for the approaching enemy, she shot a string of silk after the berry to capture the berry just out of her physical reach. She would survive this strange new world and come out stronger and better than any of the old scaredy worms back home, she thought in triumph.

Wordcount: 417
(Ooc: Silcoon is out in front. Martin uses a Quick Ball.)

[Tarlar]

This was just perfect! Getting potential opponents to stop and protect themselves against its accusations, which resulted in the battle it wanted so much. It could then take the berry back and use it to lure in its next opponent and that way it was certain it would get all the battles it wished. And that was a lot!
Mankey had tried at lot of others ways but most opponents ran when they saw it and didn't even give it time to declare any challenge or even throw a single punch. They just whipped their tail in between their legs and was off into the shadows.

It slammed the ground a bit more but it didn't seem to impress the strangers much, but they didn't run so that was a plus. The pokemon in front was a rather dull looking round ball of a pokemon, but the fighting type had noticed the four legged cat a bit further back, it had no problems getting an easy warm up battle before continuing to something more interesting. You took what you got. It got eye contact with Skarn and made a "I'm watching you" gesture with its hand.
Mankey leaped and raced forward easily dodging the string shot towards it, it didn't notice that it was aimed at the berry and that it was pulled to safety from right under its feet just in time.
"You are going to get what you deserve!" Mankey shouted as it jumped, fists raised high. It had recently beaten a poochyena and had just learned how to hit hard with its fists, which Silcoon would soon learn about too.

The quick ball lived up to its name and the mankey was hit and caught in between two heartbeats. Silcoon was free to pull in the berry, free food!

Mankey was caught!


Silcoon watched and grows +3 levels to [LV 11]!
But what's this? Silcoon tries to evolve into a Beautifly!

If you allow it, she will learn Gust and her ability will change to Swarm.


Chida still watched and grows +1 level to [LV 17]!

[img src="https://play.pokemonshowdown.com/sprites/bw/mankey.png"]
[b]Mankey[/b]
Name: [Choose]
Gender: [Choose]
Level: 9
OT: Martin Roth
Attacks: Leer, Focus Energy, Fury Swipes, Karate Chop
Ability: Vital Spirit or Anger Point
Nature/Personality: [Choose]

(ooc: 1 Quick Ball deducted)

[Thirdie]

Martin Growth

Gardener

The Quick Ball worked as intended, and as soon he confirmed the ding of capture Martin moved forward with hurried steps to retrieve the dropped Pokeball. He only just noticed the silk string reeling in the Pecha Berry, when light broke out from the Silcoon's body, and he squinted against it, stopping his movement not to startle the evolving form. Instead of picking up the Pokeball as intended, he went for the berry to simply add it to his growing collection of things to nurse into life, when he got his own garden to grow things in. The Mankey certainly wouldn't need it any longer. Next, he picked up the Quick Ball with a small huff. He kind of resented the thing for startling him like that, and though he didn't understand what the Mankey had growled about, it had given off the impression of someone using any excuse to instigate a fight. Martin was no stranger to that type of people from his time in the big city. At least it had brought one good thing with it. Martin turned to the fully evolved Beautifly and studied the bug testing out its new set of wings with an insecure flutter. "I guess that's what you call a blessing in disguise" Martin mumbled, not really speaking to the Beautifly, but it gave off a thrill of happy sound and danced a bit more securely in the air. Suddenly worried it would try to run away, Martin didn't waste more time in calling it back in its ball, and then he was alone in the foggy world with only Skarn for company again.

~

Skarn looked at Martin with her head curiously angled to the side. He acted off to her, but she couldn't put her paw on exactly what was being different. He was still gruff and difficult to understand, mean too for that matter. Was he being slower than usual? That pause he made at the end of a battle, when everything was quiet again like now. Had he always done that? Skarn wasn't sure, but she waited for his eyes to take in their surroundings once more, and then waited for him to pick their way of walking. This time he chose to head back the way they had come, and she observed quietly as he went about his business back in the city.
It was hard to keep her attention on him fully. There was so many interesting things to see in the city that wasn't quite as blurred up by the fog as the forest had been. However, she succeeded for the most part, especially since she was curious about his current behaviour, and she began to notice that every now and then he would shoot her an annoyed look. She soon realised it actually only happened, when she made a noise, in particular when that blasted coin wouldn't stay still, but if it annoyed him so, why had he bothered forcing her to bear it? Skarn thought hard about it, and tried to recall if Thief had said anything meaningful about it.

~

Martin's venture back to the city had one purpose, and one purpose only: to ensure the trade this whole deal had been about. When all was said and done, Martin didn't feel his time had been entirely wasted, despite the hours put in. The rare grass type would hopefully be worth the effort sometime in the future. The fog still lay heavy in the air in the afternoon, but with the succesful training tour in mind Martin decided he could go for another round, this time with his own Pokemon, and furthermore he could take a real shot at finding those grass types that should be hiding naturally in the area. It took some time to decide though, who he wanted to train, and when he had finally settled on taking Pepo the weird Pumpkaboo, the baby Snover, and Tergi the Gastly, it had gotten late afternoon. Martin wasn't deterred. He squared his shoulders and forged on into the drap greyness of the quiet coming evening.

Wordcount: 682
(Ooc: Silcoon evolves. Mankey is placed blank in box under 'Extras' (move from current location in 'garden team').
Changes to team: Tergi, Pepo, and Snover will go on team instead of Beautifly/Silcoon, Baal, and Tom. Baal and Tom belongs in 'Nightly Fun')

Handling these updates because of NPC Trade :3
~L

[Caramell 🍬]

The dense fog that clung to the air seemed to blanket the entire route. It made it nearly impossible to see anything at all. Strange noises sounded from the nearby trees, like feet that were scurrying through the tall, dying grasses and beaks that pecked incessantly at the wooden trunks of the tall oak and pine trees. A call clamored on the air, circling from all directions so that even if Martin tried to follow it, he would have been left going in circles.

Martin wasn’t alone. Another traveler that was following the sounds of the strange noises would call out through the dense fog. “Hello?” The voice shouted over the pristine white surroundings and the sounds of the man’s boots crunching along on the snow would echo throughout the area. “Is anyone around?” His voice was loud as though calling out for help, but also sounded frustrated. How long had the hiker been wondering around in circles? Two Pokemon clung to the Hiker’s side – a sturdy boulder with two thick, muscular looking hands that shot out at either side and a hyped-up blue Pokemon with thick ridges on the top of its head.

The burly looking hiker with a thick beard and heavy mustache scratched his chin and leaned on the cane he used to hike his way along the region. He sighed sadly, his face dropping a little as his face fell on his two Pokemon. “Azalea it supposed to be right around the corner. But it’s getting’ late and we’re makin’ no headway. I suppose he better set up camp and hope that the fog clears up soon. What do ya think?” The hyper Machop balled up one of his fists and punched it straight into the air with excitement as he nodded his head. “Chop chop, ma chop!” Geodude shook and shivered and furrowed his rocky eyebrows. “Dude…Geo Geodude…” He stated, not quite agreeing with his trainer’s plans.

The Hiker started up a small fire and placed up his cooking supplies so that he could start a pot of soup over the flames. As the soup was almost fully cooked, he would catch the sounds of Martin approaching. Anthony lifted himself up and straightened his back as he stared off into the dense fog, before the sight of a strange form caught his attention. “Hey, wait! Who goes there…show yourself!” Then he would feel silly as he quickly approached Martin to find gangly looking fellow who couldn’t have been older than his mid-thirties. “Oh sorry there, bub. It’s tha fog got us all outta sorts. Care for some soup?” He gestured towards the pot he had cooking over the fire.

If Martin agreed, then the Hiker would immediately go back to the soup and prepare a plate for himself, his Pokemon, Martin, and Martin’s Pokemon so that they could eat. Then, he would challenge the lad to a friendly Pokemon battle after they had a chance to fill their stomachs. If Martin did not agree, then Anthony would jump straight to an offer for a Pokemon battle regardless. “Hey sport, care for a battle before we part ways?” Would be the simple introduction.

Hiker Anthony Challenges Martin to a battle!

He sends out his Level 11 Chopper! Who will Martin choose?

[Thirdie]

Martin Growth

Gardener

The fog hadn't subsided in the least. If anything, it had only gotten worse. Martin did his best to stay on the path and not get side-tracked into the underbrush by the sounds. He was in no hurry to figure out which Pokemon scrambled around like that. The sound of another human in the fog however, peaked Martin’s curiosity. He could hear the other’s frustration at his predicament but didn’t feel like responding. He preferred to actually see the people he was talking to, so instead he kept quiet, kept his eyes on the track, and moved carefully towards the sound.

When the voice sounded to come from the denser part of the forested area, Martin hesitated. He didn’t feel like getting entirely lost from the path. Should he leave the other to his faith? It wasn’t like Martin was inclined to help others, especially if they were stupid enough to land themselves in situations they could have easily avoided. On the other hand, the fog might have caught even him off guard, and listening to the voiced complaints it didn’t sound like the other knew how close they were to the city. And if Martin was close enough to hear the words not shouted… It wouldn’t cost him much effort to help the other out, and maybe there would be a reward in it.

Martin pulled out his piece of string and looked at the lowest branches on the tree closest to the road. He tied one end securely to his chosen target and looked down at Skarn who had stayed quiet so far. She met his eyes with a question. “Stay close” he whispered, not wanting to reveal himself just yet. He then proceeded to go into the forest towards the voice. It wasn’t long before he could see the orange glow of a flickering fire, and was that food cooking he could smell?

Inevitable the other noticed his approach and Martin finally saw fit to answer with a calm "Hi. Just a trainer exploring. My name is Martin." He gave a little wave with his free hand. Skarn had stayed true to his command and looked out at the hiker’s Pokemon from behind his heels. Martin looked to the offered soup cooking with his most charming smile. “Soup sounds nice in this cold. I hadn’t even realized it was getting dinnertime.” He tied the string to yet another tree, and let it hang from the branch now he had reached the destination.

“I heard your calling before. How did you get lost from the road?” he asked while the Hiker served the food out on plates. Martin was mostly looking to get the other talking, and meanwhile he strategized which of his own Pokemon he could let out to eat without raising suspicion or troubles. In the end he only let Chida out beside Skarn, since the rest of his team was unknown factors and most likely to cause problems. He could always argue the ghost and grass types needed other kind of sustenance, if the hiker raised questions.

When the meal was over Martin wasn’t surprised at the hiker’s challenge. It was practically customary for any trainers meeting out in the wild. He would actually have been surprised if the hiker had passed up the chance. Martin smiled good natured. He had already calculated his chances while they ate. “Sure, let’s have a battle while we wait for the fog to pass.” He got to his feet and looked at Skarn. The cat was at a clear disadvantage against both, but she still needed to learn her place. Martin hadn’t missed how she had looked at Chida with clear arrogance, and she still hadn’t learned to silence the coin at her neck. When they were all ready Martin ordered a Leer.

Wordcount: 640
(Ooc: Martin starts out with Skarn and uses Leer.)

[Professor Oak]

The hearty aroma of the soup still lingered in the air, a comforting contrast to the haunting chill of the foggy veil that hung around the campsite. Anthony chuckled lightly, the warmth from the meal still lingering within him as he watched Martin's calm demeanour with eyes weathered by trails and time.

"Ah, well, that's a tale as twisted as these fog-laden paths," he began, a twinkle in his eye as he recounted his misadventure. "You see, I've been trekking these trails for years, but this fog, it's playing tricks today, even on an old hand like me."

He gestured toward the opaque surroundings all around them, the woods disorientating in its dull discoloured hues. "It's as if the very road I thought I knew like the back of my hand decided to play a prank on me. One moment, I'm sure I'm heading toward Azalea, and the next, I'm tangled in this ghostly veil, disoriented and taking turns that lead nowhere."

Anthony's Machop nodded in agreement, his expression mirroring the hiker's sentiments as though he understood the perplexing nature of the foggy paths.

The Hiker shrugged, a grin playing on his weathered face. "Guess today, the fog had its laugh at my expense. But, hey, it brought me good company," Anthony said, his gaze shifting to Martin with a nod of appreciation. "And a chance for a fine battle! Can't complain about that now, can we?"

"Now, let's see what we've got here!" Anthony's voice resonated with a blend of excitement and readiness. "Chopper, time to show 'em our style!" The burly Pokémon responded with a resolute nod, muscles bulging in anticipation. As the Litleo stepped forward with a glint in her eyes, Anthony couldn't help but admire the fiery spirit she exuded.

Chopper, with his formidable stance and unwavering determination, met Skarn's gaze in a deadlock of Leers. The two Pokémon locked eyes, each refusing to yield an inch of ground, a silent challenge rippling between them.

"Chop, Machop!" Anthony's Pokémon flexed his muscular arms, a display of his strength and readiness. The tension in the air crackled like static, the anticipation palpable as both Pokémon held their ground, neither giving way to the other’s intimidating stare. Anthony’s smile widened, admiring the tenacity radiating from both combatants.

Trainer Battle

---

Weather: Fog (-10 Acc.)

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

[attr="class","qkt-wild-pkmn"]
Chopper LV 11
HP 100% [39/39]

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

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

[attr="class","qkt-trainer-pkmn"]
Skarn LV 14
HP 100% [45/45]

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

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

Chopper [Guts]: Normal, -1 Def
Skarn [Rivalry]: Normal, -1 Def

SP29 Skarn used Leer!
SP16 Chopper used Leer!

[Thirdie]

Martin Growth

Gardener

The hiker had flair with words, Martin would give him that. His description of being lost in the white world of the mist had a poetic sensation that even Martin couldn't dismiss. It was almost ... enchanting. Martin checked the tree with his string more than once, while the hiker spoke, almost afraid it would somehow have gone missing from one moment to the next. It was silly, and Martin scoffed silently at himself for letting his mind play tricks like that. He very determined kept his calm facade, and nonchalantly agreed with the hiker's sentiments along the tale. "Nothing like a battle to keep you on your toes."

When the battle began, Martin put a grin on his face at the Hiker's enthusiasm. He felt it most suited for the occasion. Though, he doubted the Hiker would like Martin's style at the end of the day. "Skarn, Headbutt." He said, calm and smile still in place. Skarn's tail was swishing back and forth in her 'battle mode'. She was obviously agitated and raring to go, matching the Machop's energy with her own. He just needed for her to take a good hit. She would learn her own shortcomings sooner rather than later.
_____

Finally some action. Skarn was thrilled after so long with nothing to do but study the trainer she couldn't understand. She wasn't particularly impressed with her opponent but he would certainly do, and at least he had fighting spirit. She showed him all her teeth in a challenging grin, while she leered at him, at as soon as Martin gave the word she charged forward.

Wordcount: 266
(Ooc: Skarn uses Headbutt)