Tales Of Our Mentors [F]

[Kataya]

Dark Path-- Route 38

Espeon hadn't been expecting what happened next. His illusions were crashing down around him. Bits and pieces of the room falling about him. The platform under him collapsed, and it took a quick use of energy in order to fall onto another platform. Watching as Joey began running out of air. Something...different happened. Calistra was calling upon Joey's partners, as illusions of them one by one began appearing. And for once, Espeon was overwhelmed. He could only watch as they surrounded the room, and finally: The barrier broke. And with it, Tnebrae and Sharada's illusions. Calistra had won the battle AND saved Joey's life Espeon, unsure of how Calistra had managed this, blinked, and Joey opened his eyes. His eyes flickered with a flash of warmth. Shaking off his shock, he jumped off the platform, tail swishing softly as he looked at the two. "Joey, Calistra." He mentioned, calm eyes now on them. "You have passed. Your bond is a lot stronger than my sister first anticipated. I see that now." His eyes flicked to Joey.  "I apologize for what the two of you have been through today. My sister...believes in repairing bonds that she thinks are broken. Or...not there even." He looked away regretfully. "But I suppose...that she isn't right all the time." Suddenly, the room crashed down completely. Around them, it once again became the route that they started on, Route 34. Joey's teammates were released from the bubbles he had trapped them in, and Espeon was in front of them still. He dropped a small bag and in another flash of light, he was gone. -- You have beaten Espeon's trials and proved your bond! Espeon has left you Dark Gems! x3 Calistra gained 1800 exp Points! She has grown to level 38! THREAD IS UNRESERVED!

made by redox of gs

[The REAL Joey]

His throat still sore from trying to breath so exasperatedly, Joey turned his head to the side as Calistra propped his upper half up. The biker thief had really no clue as to what happened but it appeared that Calistra had somehow come up tops. With Espeon's voice calling out, Joey looked as the Espeon serenely swished its tail back and forth. Centring her attention also on the Espeon, they listened intently. Not only had they very little clue as to whom this Espeon was or even belonged to but there was also the fact that despite this being the supposed last challenge, there could potentially be more. "Bonds...?" Murmured Calistra as she listened to his words. Joey on the other hand seemed confused by the second. "Sister? You mean t'say there's more than one of ya?!" His head still groggy from having lost consciousness, he was at least at ease he could rule out this being some sort of Team Rocket trap. After all, it seems there was no more trials they would have to put themselves through.

Apologising profusely further, Joey sported a carefree grin on his face. Considering he had near enough drowned, he seemed in good enough spirits. "Hahaha, don't sweat it. If there is one thing I think Cali and I have both gained from this is a better foundation of trust for one another." Turning his head to look up at her he smiled. It was odd to see her out of her illusion form and in her own appearance but despite her wild, beastly look, he knew it was his friend all the same. "Hmph. Maybe you're not so bad, simpleton. Just stupid." Looking back over to the Espeon, Joey continued. "If anythin' we oughta be thankin' you and ya sis. I get that from any bystander's perspective, we looked as if we had no trust there at all. Some sort of one sided display of things but we gained so much from all this." Nodding her head in agreement, Calistra appeared content with this. "I don't think I ever pushed my illusion powers so far." Conjuring up such a vast array of Pokemon, all perfectly mimicking their personalities, movements and very beings was an impressive feat.

As the Psychic type concluded with a final thought, Joey and Calistra jolted. They had been laying down on the floor, Joey absolutely sodden through with the water he had been drowned in but in the space of a second, they had felt their very selves float around abruptly before returning to their bodies. Stepping forward with another forward step but stopping as soon as he did, Joey could only describe it as an out of body sensation. "WOAH. That felt... Weird! Like when you're havin' a dream that you're about to fall and wake up with a jump." Bumping into the thief behind him, Calistra also felt the same experience and surprisingly was in her illusionary human form. "Watch where you're... Huh? Had our minds and souls been ripped from our physical selves?" Pondering this, they quickly caught on to the Espeon still being in front of them. Stretching out his arm but hesitating somewhat as he noticed he was perfectly dry, Joey opened his mouth to speak out.

"Hey! Espeon-WAIT!" Watching as the Pokemon dropped something and then disappeared with a teleportation, Joey pulled a face of dissatisfaction. The entire trial they had gone through, the inclusion of Sharada and Tenebrae, the very Espeon themselves, it was all so strange and yet he still found himself wanting answers. "Dammit! Was gonna try and get to find out about these Espeon siblings. What exactly was their story?" Turning around on the spot, Joey shrugged his arms confusedly as he looked at Calistra. Folding her arms and closing her eyes with a knowing smile on her face, she responded with what she hoped would spare Joey's brain hurting from over thinking too much. "I am as clueless as you are over the situation. Perhaps we shouldn't question it but accept it as is. We both experienced that. It wasn't something we have suffered from and if anything, we have come out stronger. Let us be grateful for it and maybe one day we will come across them again." His arms falling to his sides and slanting forward lackadaisically somewhat, Joey blinked. "Huh. Looks like you've matured quite a bit!" Her content expression souring, she angrily leered her eyes at him. "And you're as buffoonish as ever!"

Laughing with a hearty bellow, Joey finished off with a grin as he looked over the situation. "Eh, well, even if things change, some things will stay the same." Smiling cheerfully, he felt he had a deeper understanding of Calistra. "Hey Cali. I got a lot from that. About you I mean. I've always known you were poached away from your home and I guess you must be homesick. Like, you want to reunite. If I can count on you to help me, i'll return the favour. I'll travel to Unova and free you back to your home." Her face taken aback by surprise, her cheeks showed a small hint of a blush as she began to fidget somewhat, obviously taken off guard by Joey actually have some perception. "You... Would do that for me?" Of course deep down she felt a constant longing to be returned to her home in Unova but at the same time, she had realised something from the trials she undertook. Maybe her home was with this motley crew now? "Of course! That's what friends do! We can count on one another. I just feel kinda selfish 'cause I really need your help before I can help you. Y'see, we're actually really like you and me." Already somewhat understanding his plight, Calistra played coy. "Oh?"

"Yeah. I'm trying to reunite back with my family. To go back home. These silly little trinkets as you call them? The gym badges? If I can get enough and come out tops on the champion league, i'll be given some diplomatic immunity to return home. But the thing is, I gotta rely on my friends, you guys, to help me do that. The league challenge is filled with tough opponents and i'm nothin' without my Pokemon. I'll need to rely on your strength to achieve my goal." Nodding her head in understanding, Calistra deep down would do a lot of things in return for the kindness Joey had shown her but feeling it would go against how people perceived her, played her aloof card. "Hmph. Well. A deal it is then. I'll help you get back home and you'll do the same for me." Beaming, Joey couldn't believe how strong their bonds had tightened. "Deal it is." Turning aside, he looked at the route ahead of them. "So, I believe we were making our next stop. Gotta get through route 38 first. Shall we?" Replying with a curt nod, the duo walked on, wading through the tall grass as they ventured on. As they proceeded, Joey picked up what the Espeon had dropped. "A lil' gift of sorts?" Examining the bag as they walked, he noted the midnight black colour of the dark gems. "Well i'll be damned. Those'll come in handy."

OOC: BEST PLOT RESERVE EVER. Really enjoyed that, thanks Kat!

[Tyger]

Unbeknown to the rest of the world, Joey had undergone quite the emotional and physical trial. So, to any wild Pokemon or wandering trainer, Joey still seemed like the average, punkish biker guy, or something along that nature. When the School boy had locked eyes on Joey, and watched him pick something up from the grass, well, that just wasn't going to do.

"Excuse me, sir!"

The school boy waded through the grass to face Joey. The height difference was laughable, and the way the boy held himself just screamed a few impolite things.

"Uh, I've walked this route a thousand times. Yes, a thousand times. That is 10 times 100, mind you. And there's NEVER been anything in that spot. Which, of course, by my deductive reasoning, means that you could've possibly stolen it from my bag, as I am missing..."

The boy peeked at the bag, catching a glimpse of what was inside. Ah yes, gems.

"... 3 black gems. So, if you'd be so kind as to hand them back."

The boy held out his hand, but then crossed his arms before Joey could even react. The boy seemed offended that Joey wasn't grovelling at his feet in an apologetic fashion.

"Fine! You don't wanna give my stuff back? I'll battle you for them! Be careful, because i'm the best in my class. That's why I get to skip class, because I already know everything there is to know about battling. I say be careful, but there's nothing you can really do about it. Your generation is already heading out the door. It'll be people like me calling the shots with my super special awesome Pokemon."

The boy introduced himself (curtly, of course) as Chad. Without a moment's hesitation, he sent out his Pokemon. The Mr. Mime smiled, beginning to enact a pantomime of Joey handing the gems back to Keith with a zealous, overreacting face contorted into what appeared to be crying. 


How could something so happy deal with this kid?



Schoolbrat Chad is ordering you to battle him!

He sends out Mr. Mime (Level 30)

[The REAL Joey]

Savouring over the rare and sought after gems still, Joey ignored the first shout out to himself. That and the fact he was being addressed as sir was something he never even associated himself as. Walking on with a look of glee over his face, Calistra was the one to pick up on the boy referring to them. "Joey." She noted bluntly. Standing still on the spot, her lack of movement alerted Joey who turned and pocketed the gems he had been examining into the pouch. Looking up, his eyes locked in with the studious looking schoolboy that was making his way ardently towards them. Raising an eyebrow incredulously, Joey wasn't too sure exactly what the schoolboy was after. "Hey kid. You after somethin'? Out on a school field trip or summat, haha?" Having picked up the trainer was obviously still in school, he made a small jovial jest, nothing outright malicious. However, as the boy opened his mouth, taking on something of an assuming tone, Joey's initial friendliness wore a little thin, to the point he looked downright shocked and what this kid was getting out.

"Errrrr... Come again? Without the numbers man. Y'losing me there." Almost clawing her face off, Calistra butted in for clarification. "He means he has walked by here often, fool." Pulling a small face, Joey looked back at the student and listened to what else the boy had to say. As it became apparent he was accusing Joey of theft, the biker couldn't help but burst out with a hearty laugh. "Oh man! You think I stole this from, ya?! Hahahahahahaha! Pull the other one, I may look like i'm a thief... *COUGH* I am one *COUGH*... But you got no proof I stole this from ya. First rule of bein' a thief, never get caught." Mumbling out the side of his mouth to Calistra, he shook his head. After all, despite using the old five finger discount often and liberally, he had actually earnt this with his partner meaning they were rightfully his. "Heh, i'll let you off dude. You think you're clever by accusin' me of that but me and this lady here earnt 'em. That's the honest truth. 'Sides, if you know what was in this pouch, you could tell me. Not so in my face now, huh, are ya?"

Giving the kid a wink, he tossed the bag up and down in his hand playfully before slipping up and realising he hadn't tightened the satchel. As he tossed it up once more, the dark gems tumbled out and landed in his hand. As it did, the schoolboy abruptly spoke out. "Well no kiddin' you'd say that then!" Leering his eye in a ticked off manner, Joey pulled away his hand full of gems with a clasp and quickly put them back into the sack. "Are you serious? You're not serious. He is serious!" Mused Joey as he went through many stages of denial and acceptable. As he did, it became ever more apparent the schoolboy was getting into something of a hissy fit. However, what came next was an irate rant so venomous that even Joey was left speechless. Truly a modern wonder for the ages. Calistra on the other hand gave the boy a sly look and replied mocking the boy. "Hmph. So you skip your lessons because you think you are smart? That already makes you as intelligent as Mr.Simpleton over there." Her jibe aimed at the boy was enough to illicit a reaction from Joey. "HEY! Sure I dropped out school but what you gotta remember is I was too cool for school anyhow. This little kid's takin' the entire biscuit tin." Cracking his knuckles and sporting a cocksure grin, Joey chuckled assuredly.

"Heh heh heh. I'm out the door am I? Hah, kid, you better not go cryin' home to mama when i'm done schoolin' yo' butt. You may be too smart for your school lessons but i'm gonna teach you about the school of hard knocks." As they made a quick introduction, Joey responded in kind. "Chad, huh? Name's Joey. Or maybe that's Mr. Johnson to you." About to trash talk some more, Joey was cut off as their choice of Pokemon was sent forward. As it became apparent what it was, Joey's face plummeted. "Oh. It's Mr.Mime." His deathly expression made it clear he wasn't too fond of clowns. Or mimes. Or whatever this thing was hoping to emulate. Watching aghast as the Pokemon demonstrated what Joey should do, the biker pulled through his discomfort with the inclusion of Mr.Mime and pulled out a Pokeball. "I'm gonna teach ya somethin' kid. Free o' charge." Tossing the Pokeball forward, it revealed an old friend of his. Standing on his hind legs, arms crossed and his bandanna cloth covering his mouth, the Pokemon was seen incessantly tapping his foot. "Jeez Louise. Just how long were you thinkin' about keepin' me stuff in that ball?! Dammit. Could'a least snagged me in a luxury ball." Hearing the Pokemon's despondent babble, Joey laughed it off.

"Pft, after what we just went through, you'd probably wanna spend the rest of your days in confinement." Shaking his head, Joey pointed Slash's attention to what really mattered at this point in time. "Hey buddy. You're not too keen on clowns are ya?" Leering an eye as he looked over to Joey, Slash hadn't quite cottoned onto what he would be facing. Coughing, he pointed in the opposite direction, to which Slash followed. "AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH! WHAT THE HECK IS THAT THING?! Creepy piece of..." Knowing his Pokemon wouldn't hang around in offing this opponent, Joey laughed. "Fake Out, we'll make short work of it." Grasping the satchel of dark gems in his hand, Joey tossed it up and down once more some but this time with it safely fastened. Uncomfortable with getting near the Pokemon, Slash lengthened out his sharp claws and sighed. "For the love of... Damn Joe. This has gotta owe me some catnip. Sheesh." Lowering his body down on all fours, the cat Pokemon began a little charge up with his rear as he got ready to pounce and strike.

[Tyger]

Well, this man certainly didn't understand how the world was going to work when he was old and helpless, didn't he? "Fine. Teach me something. I'd love to soak up whatever knowledge you want to pass on, free of charge, thief." Chad growled, straightening his tie and shirt. "I can deal with the common rifraff just fine. We're a good team, aren't we Mr. Mime?" Even if the Pokemon were capable of speech (being a mime, wellll.. that wouldn't have worked out anyway) before the Pokemon could attempt to speak, the boy affirmed himself. "That's what I thought too. Now get into battle formation D, we're going against a normal type."

Whatever battle formation D was, the Mime continued to mime out Joey's inevitable demise, and kept the same silly smile as he moved around. Picking up on the fact that both their enemies were creeped out by his appearance, Mr. Mime did it's best to gesture directly towards them, as if trying to bother them even more. What a jerk. "Ooo, such a cute little kitty. What's it gonna do? Purr me to death? I ditched my Meowth WAY long ago. You have to move on to stronger types. That's why i'm training to get a few dragon types." The way the boy spoke suggested that Mr. Mime would meet the same fate after the dragon types were acquired, if ever. Who needed bonds, anyway, when they were such powerhouses?

"Fake Out will merely flinch us this turn. Just take it, Mr. Mime, and if you manage to dodge the attack, go for a Psybeam." The boy crossed his arms and watched Slash with disinterest. They were only down one turn, and at least it'd give Joey something to feel important, right? However, Slash had other ideas. Dropping any subtlety, the feline dashed forward, darkness swirling around his unsheathed claws. The strike came as a shock to both Mr. Mime as well as Chad, as the mime immediately fell to the ground, practically sizzling.

That creepy ass clown was done like dinner.

Chad's Mr. Mime - Level |30|

Health: 0/70
Current Status: I will eat your soul <3
Flinched!.. and uh, fainted.

Joey's Slash - Level |35|
Health: 81/81
Current Status: NOPENOPENOPE
I HAD TO TOUCH IT T.T

---

Congratulations!
Slash defeated the enemy trainer Schoolbrat Chad!



Slash gains +1,500 EXP, and gains a level!
Level 36, (1324/3997)

Chad throws a tantrum and throws £400 on the ground...

---

"NO WAY!" Chad gasped, genuine surprise and shock spread all over his face. Mr. Mime failed to even twitch, and barely stirred as it was returned into a pokeball. Chad's face grew red as he glared at Joey, pointing accusingly. "You cheated! You thief! You stole my gems, and I bet you hacked into my computer and stole my Meowth too. There's no way you could've raised a Pokemon like that. And, you cheated and won the battle. Cheater!" The boy growled, digging into his pocket at what one could assume would be his lunch money. When the meager amount of money had been grabbed, Chad tossed it into the grass where the gems had been founded. "Just enjoy it and get out of here..." Chad growled, stalking off in the direction of the school.


(Note: Okay, my calc messed up and reset Meowth's level to 100. After asking Tiki about whether or not to just pass it, slap myself on the hand and continue on, or editing it and telling you to edit your post... I got no answer. So, uh. Lemme know what the plan is. It didn't die like a little ***** after all.)

[The REAL Joey]

Observing the kid get slightly hot under the collar in the way his tone shifted angrily, Joey couldn't help but smirk cheekily as he realised that he may have been able to talk the talk but he wasn't quite up to walking the walk just yet. All bark and no bite. A bit like a fledgling little pup in some aspects. "Pft, you think i'd teach you all I know? Hah. Please. I got taught by the best mentor ever and I reckon he'd turn in his grave if he knew I taught you even a shred of his knowledge. Nah, i'll just teach you a lesson in humility. Nothin' like gettin' your ass kicked to teach you that." Standing back as he watched the trainer and Pokemon converse, one sidedly admittedly, Joey felt at least somewhat happy he treated his Pokemon right. Nothing riled him up more than abusive trainers and as much of a little snot this brat was, he at least had been taught something decent. Even if the Pokemon itself was creepy as anything should have any right to be.

Grimacing as the Mr.Mime continued enacting out this rehearsal of what he could only assume was Joey's downfall, the biker ignored the gesturing mime and listened to what Chad had to say about Slash. It was at that point, the kid had crossed the line. Letting out something of a pained expression, Joey wasn't going to be the one to make him eat his words. He knew Slash wasn't going to take that lying down. "Oh man, you've gone done it now. As far as i'm concerned, Slash IS one of my strongest Pokemon. This ain't no pampered pet, this moggy grew up on the streets and knows a thing or two about fightin' his side of the ring. Even if it is a little underhanded, heh." Having not to laugh as Chad bought up Dragon types, Joey could easily foresee Slash running circles around the fabled type that was held in very high regard. "I think he'd probably make a joke out of 'em. This moggy's faced Scythers, Miltanks... You name it. He's embarrassed 'em all." Realising his words were falling on deaf ears with the disinterested schoolkid not really paying attention, he shrugged his arms and let Slash follow through with his attack. After all, actions spoke louder than words. Almost flinching his eyes shut as Slash made a mockery of Mr.Mime, Joey was at least somewhat happy to see the gaudy mime fall to the ground in a devastating one hit knock out. Clearly Slash wasn't going to be messing around with a foe that unsettled them both.

It was only when the mime bit the dust that Joey heard the kid cry out cold bloody murder. He had certainly changed his tune. "Whuzzat kid?! Whippersnapper? Can't hear ya." Motioning his hand up to his ear and pretending to be an elderly old coot, Joey joked around some more. "I did what now? Speak up young 'un!" Unable to contain his laughter, he burst out into a laugh and slapped his knee. "Ahhh quit ya belly aching kid. You lost. We schooled ya pretty quick. Like this was cram school or summat. Welp, class dimissed I guess!" Having enjoyed making the boy eat his own words, Joey's eyes lit up as the kid threw him his dinner money. "Awwww... Thanks for the tuition fee kid!" Watching as he appeared to be walking off back to the direction with a sign post detailing a school, Joey rolled his eyes. "Hopefully he'll learn a bit more." Pocketing the cash, Joey looked to Slash and Calistra. "Never a dull moment with you guys around." Laughing heartily, he looked further down the route they had been progressing. "Seems like every step we take we're hit with an encounter. First that shadow world and then some uppity youngster. What's next on the agenda, eh?"

OOC: So tired so i'll likely rejig this post for now but wow... I was not expecting Mr.Mime to die like such a ***** lol.

Ah damn. I must admit the same has happened to me a few times when i've had a neutral nature in place but realised last minute the member had a specified nature. No worries, just chalk it up to a crit as we've both put in time for the replies.

[Tyger]

Things had certainly taken an eventful turn, no? Joey and his ragtag band of merry 'mon had certainly seen it all. Bratty kids, strange illusions.. This route was jam packed full of interesting things. However, the Pokemon on the route felt quite the opposite. Between the trainers merely passing through, and the school kids that terrorized them, there wasn't much else to do. Ecruteak City held many things, but a harbor for wild Pokemon was not one of them. So, the Pokemon did their best to avoid trainers. However, if they didn't, how would they get their kicks?


Pachirisu chittered to itself, static zipping down it's short, coarse fur. As it groomed it's tail for the third time today, a thought came to it's mind. What if, hold on now. What if Pachirisu wandered outside of it's den today? Curiosity gripped at the heart of the little rodent, and the thought lingered one for a few moments. Could it really do it? All those trainers out there, and all those bigger Pokemon! Putting all four paws on the ground, Pachirisu stuck it's head outside, peeking out curiously before pulling it's head back in. Nah, nevermind. No outside. Inside the den as nice and cozy.


However, the sound of 3 small items clinking together made it's ears perk up. Was that what it thought it was?! Pachirisu darted out of it's den in enough time to see Joey check the 3 dark gems in his hand. Ah! So that trainer had the berries. Rubbing it's tummy, Pachirisu waited for the Meowth to dispatch of the Mr. Mime with a quick critical before it darted over to Joey, practically pawing at his leg for the 'berries' it'd seen earlier. It's beady little eyes pleaded with everything it could muster. One might say it was downright cute.


Wild Pachirisu (Level 32) has mistaken your gems for berries!
What's up with this route?

[The REAL Joey]

As the trio of Calistra, Slash and Joey enjoyed their victory, they were all completed distracted from the presence of another. After all, following a battle most trainers would lower their guard and want to catch their breath. "Am I glad that freakazoid is down 'n out. I hit that goon so hard I don't think he'll be miming no more." Shuddering on the spot, Joey could sense his Pokemon's dislike of the Mr.Mime. "Heh, you and me both. I dunno if I had a traumatic experience with one as a kid or what but they give me the heebie jeebies. Least we still got these gems we worked hard for. Trust some bratty kid to want to freeload on somethin' that was supposedly his." Darting her eyes at Joey, Calistra was quick to raise a fairly good point. "And you are sure they are not actually is? The Espeon dropped them, this much is true, who is to say the Espeon didn't have a little thief in itself too." Grinning cockily, Joey shrugged before replying. It was a question he deflected of all too often. "Finders keepers. Should take better care of lookin' after stuff if it meant so much to him." Clinking them up and down with a steady rhythm, he concluded. "Our's now anyway and I won't be lettin' 'em slip so easy."

As they came down once more in his hand, the group were alerted to the sudden presence of another. As the being moved quickly with a blue, all three were taken off guard and scrambled to ready themselves. Slash extended his sharp claws out and put up his paws as if to engage in a bout of fisticuffs whilst Calistra took on an offensive stance ready to take on whatever it was that had decided to drop in on them uninvited. Joey on the other hand relaxed as he realised the blur was none other than a wild Pokemon from the route. Feeling the little critter pull at his leg, he looked down at its super adorable expression, its eyes gleaming with intense cuteness. "D'awwwwww look at this little thing. Hey little guy, what's up?" Commented Joey with affection to his tone. Kneeling down, he gave the little thing a little rub under its chin and noticed it seemed to be after something. "Hahaha, what you after huh?" Giving the jewels another clink, he watched as the Pokemon's eyes were drawn to them. "Huh? You after these?" Looking to the others in his group, he rolled his eyes and laughed exasperatedly. "And what would a critter like you want with 'em, huh?" Taking one of the gems out and looking at it, Joey shrugged as he presented it to the Pachirisu. "If you're thinkin' it's something to snack on. It ain't." Putting one in front of his mouth, he made an obvious biting motion at it and quickly took it out of his mouth to show it wasn't edible. "But... If you're hungry I know a place with a ton of berries." Thinking of capturing the Pokemon at this point, he seemed no reason why he couldn't send it back to his warehouse and make sure Hayley gave them a nice helping of berries from the grassy patch. "Alright ya little nipper. How about I get you some place that does a double serving of berries, eh?"

Taking out a Pokeball from his belt, he decided on a Pokemon to use just in case the Pachirisu disliked the idea of being taken from his home. "Salazar! Come out ol' buddy!" Tossing the Pokeball forward and revealing his choice, the fiery lizard folded his arms and took a good look at the Pokemon before it. "Wow. Didn't think I was gonna be gettin' to see the outside world any time soon. Thought I was gonna waste away." Looking over to Joey, the Charmeleon made a small shrug. "There I was training relentlessly to get stronger and you've put me up against some chipmunk." Letting out a small sigh of flames, the lizard assumed a stance. "I'll take what I can, amigo." Nodding, Joey could understand a slither of disappointment. "I wasn't just gonna let you rot, mate. You were the first partner in crime I had starting this journey." Looking at the Pachirisu, he decided something extreme. "I got a special kind of Pokeball here. A Quick Ball." Looking at its wild electric blue and yellow colouring, he grinned raucously. "Here goes nothin'!" Taking a quick aim, he tossed the ball flying forward to attempt capture of the Pachirisu.

Item used:

x1 Quick Ball (Auto-updated)

[Tyger]

Pachirisu's disappointment was only matched by the Pokemon's glee when the trainer hadn't immediately rushed to stomp it in battle. Maybe the rumors about this route weren't so false after all! Either that, or the rat was lucky. Pachirisu had snuggled up to Joey's hand while getting petted rather affectionately, before then pawing at the dark gem that he'd just produced. However, the disappointment came when the man was about to eat Pachirisu's spoils. But, the man's teeth clinked against the shell, showing that it was inedible. Pachirisu's tail stopped fluffing continuously, and dropped down to the ground with sheer disappointment.

But, the boy started speaking once more. He waved a tale of a strange land where he could take Pachirisu, where there were berries unlimited! Pachirisu's eyes narrowed and it took a step back, almost as if considering the offer. It's head turned back over it's shoulder as it looked back in the direction of it's den. Well, let's get honest here. Pachirisu had no mate, no baby Pokemon to watch, and currently, no food. It had lived it's life in fear of the route, and for what? Was Pachirisu really living?

When the squirrel turned back to face Joey, a newcomer had joined the man's ranks. A red dragon, something easily identifiable to the Pachirisu as a Charmeleon. Most people coming this way were still in the midst of evolving their Pokemon, and Pachirisu and it's friends were merely seen as fodder for the evolutions. Was that was this man was doing? No, it couldn't be. He was holding a pokeball. With the promise of berries galore, and with the hopes that Joey would treat the Pachirisu well, it allowed itself to be hit with the quick ball. Once inside, Pachirisu didn't put up a fight. The pokeball didn't wiggle, it didn't shake, and it didn't burst open. Inside here could be pretty comfy, right? Almost like a den.

The pokeball hardly puts up a fight. Pachirisu was captured!

Pachirisu has been captured! Please fill out the form for your partner below.


[img]http://cdn.bulbagarden.net/upload/7/79/Spr_4p_417_m.png[/img]

[b]Pachirisu[/b]

Name: [choose]

Gender: [choose]

Level: 32
Attacks:
Sweet Kiss, Electroball, Endure, Swift
Ability:

Nature/Personality: [choose]

Congratulations! Salazar has successfully done nothing to completed the battle!
Salazar gains +1,600 EXP!
Salazar grows to Level 32!
(621/3169)
Salazar is trying to learn Flame Burst. Delete a move to make room for Flame Burst?

[The REAL Joey]

Watching as the ball wriggled but with very little resistance, the biker couldn't help but laugh. "I am so gonna get a beatin' for letting this thing loose on Harley's garden. Maybe I could find it a better home." As the ball writhed about a final, third time, it was too late to change his mind and the device responded with a satisfying click to confirm it had successfully captured the Pokemon. Pumping his fists, Joey was pleased that didn't get too out of hand. Walking up to the ball, Joey pocketed it away along with the dark gems so they were both kept safe out of sight. "Hell knows we'll have more people pokin' at us because of the cool ball we just used." Giving a thumps up to Salazar, Joey grinned. "Heheheh, thanks for the protection partner." Slashing his claws as if to shoo Joey away, the lizard enjoyed the appreciation. "Eh. It's not quite strange cultists or abusive trainers but its some enjoyment all the same. How about you land me an actual fight this time, eh?" Getting the idea his Pokemon was rowdy and spoiling for something of a fight, Joey nodded. "Alright bud. I get it, you spent a lot of time trainin' with my other guys in the warehouse. You'll get your shot at glory. How about we go look for someone to help out?" Agreeing in unison, they moved out.

As the group of Calistra, Slash, Salazar and Joey meandered onwards through the now lengthy route, all that could be heard was Joe going a mile a minute with him talking out loud. Calistra, as usual, remained deathly silent as if remaining aloof from the conversation but Slash could be heard with the odd chiming in in his dialect. "I'm just lookin' at this map I snagged from that Pokemart back in Cherrygrove. If i'm readin' this right the next place is Olivine. Sounds sweet enough but what really gets me is all the talk about it being a port harbour. Must have ships comin' and goin' from all over." Pouncing along as Slash pretended to aim for an invisible target, he eventually stopped and turned to respond. "By the sea?! Y'know what the means then. A whole slew of fish treats. Man, why are we even walking. Can't you just get your bike outta storage and we ride the rest of the way there." Sensing his Pokemon had one of many things on his mind, Joey correctly deduced he was thinking about his belly at this point. Especially with how he was greedily rubbing his belly. "Heh, quiet you. This way we work up an appetite." "Fish?" Queried Calistra, obviously not too sure of what exactly this meant. "Yeah, fish. Tasty meals that swim around under water. Oh man... Just thinkin' of a bit of tuna is makin' my mouth water." Her eyes narrowing somewhat, she seemed neutral to the enticement. "Oh. I see." Shuffling away the tourist book guide he had snagged, Joey could tell the next place would have just as many distractions as the locales before.

"As long as we don't get too sidetracked and waste away years there." Grinning, he had no intention of remaining trapped for too long. He'd crash through like a rolling thunder and get what he needed to return on home. When that was achieved, he certainly had a number of means of transport back home. He could take a ferry from Olivine, the bullet train in Goldenrod, hell, there was even aviation he could use in the form of Johto airlines or get a Pokemon with enough flight strength to go back in style. Daydreaming at his return, he wasn't the only one distracted from the route. Slash continued to pounce along with aplomb art the promise of fish and Calistra was deep in though over what exactly this style of food tasted like. It was no surprise that none of them were really keeping much track of the route in front of them. All apart from Salazar. Used to his companions getting a little scatterbrained, the lizard carefully yet confident strode along, his eyes shifting from side to side as he kept a look out. "Quiet, too quiet." The Charmeleon murmured as his tail swished to the side, checking out the distance off to his side.

OOC: Teaching Flame Burst over Ember.

[Tyger]

Pachirisu would live a nice life under the protection of Joey. However, on this route, there were bigger fish to fry compared to the electric rat. Many other Pokemon in this area were fearful of leaving their dens. Why? Many of them shared the same reasons as the Pachirisu. Aggressive trainers, lack of food, and of course, the scary ghost motif that plagued the city. Those things were just plain out creepy. However, a few of the route inhabitants didn't have to worry about such things. One of these... was Meowth.

Oh Meowth.

This particular feline was of the gullible nature. If the Pokemon was offered something, it'd take it without any remorse, even if it were a poison berry (which it soon regretted) or a prickly pear (which it still soon regretted) and of course, rotten food. The promise of fish lingered, being so close to Olivine City. If it could just get to the ocean, Meowth would have a heydey with all of the possibilities of food. However, the creature, even with such keen senses as a Meowth has, wasn't able to get there on his own. So, when the wandering trainer that had just captured Pachirisu mentioned fish (or at least, his partner feline did) Meowth was already on the case. 

Having it in his mind that if it defeated the man, it'd be welcomed with open arms much like the electric Pokemon, Meowth let out a yowl before jumping into the path of the man. Claws extended and fur bristling, it did it's best to make sure that Joey knew it meant business. The contract in it's mind was already signed, and it never really occurred to the Pokemon that it could possibly lose. And, of course, even if it did win, that wasn't a sure fire way to get to the ocean. But, Meowth was a gullible and rather 'act first, realize/think later' sorta feline.



Wild Meowth (Level 31) heard 'fish' and came running!
Provide or skedaddle, liar!

[The REAL Joey]

His senses pricking, Salazar turned around to the source of the noise as his tail swished behind him, burning embers crackling as he realised he had been right on the money. "Alright! Time for a lil' mano a mano." Punching his clenched fist into his spare hand, the Charmeleon certainly looked fired up for battle. As the others came out of their daydreams and noticed the inclusion of another wild Pokemon halting their progress, Joey laughed heartily. "Hahaha, i've been around Slash for so long that I kinda forget that there are other Meowth out there not as wild as him." Looking at the feline from head to toe, it was clear that he was a common Meowth of the plains. Folding her arms and tilting her head slightly, even Calistra seemed bemused by the juxtaposition. "Oh? Do Meowth not normally look like Slash?" Laughing out louder, Joey shook his head. "Aww naw, Slash has just got a penchant for dressin' up. When I first met the lil' fella, he was pretty plainly dressed although definitely had a wild streak to him." With their inane chatter plodding on, Salazar cleared his throat and was about to ask about engaging the foe in battle when Slash himself broke onto the conversation.

"This is all very funny guys but there is more to this than meets the stake. That little rascal is gonna try and loot all my fish! I ain't gonna let that one fly." Stretching out his own set of claws, Slash looked poised for battle with the Pokemon of his own kind. Pulling down his cloth around his mouth, Slash resumed his trash talk with gusto. "Hey fleabag, don't think you can muscle in here thinkin' of stealin' all that tasty fish with MY name on it." Lifting his bandanna back up, Slash let out a hiss as he prepared for battle. Salazar on the other hand looked extremely disappointed, his arms now shrugging to his side as he craned his neck forwards sadly. "No chance of fightin' this one. Man..." Picking up on his Pokemon's dejected body language, Joey gave him a reassuring thumbs up. "Don't worry Sal, you'll get your fight. 'Sides, this Meowth wouldn't put up much of a fight. We'll find ya someone." Looking over to Slash, he pumped his fist and partnered up with his Pokemon to deliver their first move of the round. "Lash out with a Fake Out!" Pouncing downwards, Slash let out a quiet mumble before leaping off. "Nothing personal, kid. But that fish ain't yours."

[Tiki]

The small town feline (Slash) and the tourist town feline (wild Meowth) were on a dual to see who would be the better cat. Both were on all fours, but Slash was on his move as soon as Joey had ordered what to do. The wild Meowth had a hard time keeping up with Slash's sneaky and unique way of hopping and running around, as it wasn't a direct attack like the other Pokemon or random trainers in this area had been using.

Still on its feet, and turning its head left and right trying to judge when and where to defend, the curious Meowth was greeted by another trick up Slash's furs. The captured Meowth was pretending to attack like its Fake Out would, and instead the wild Meowth was fooled. Slash hopped to the wild Meowth's back and dished out his claws on the wild Meowth's spine. Ouch.

It looks like the fish won't rot or smell before the fight is over. Raw or cooked or deep-fried fish, the injured Meowth's face looked like it was in pain from that first hit, and it could really use some fish now. Although there weren't really fish here right now.

---

Wild Meowth- Level 31
32/75
Used a successful meow.

Joey's Slash- Level 36
85/85
Used a successful Fake Out!

[The REAL Joey]

Unable to hold back his amusement over the battle between felines, Joey's lips smirked cheekily as he watched Slash pounce off to initiate the fake out attack. "Look at 'em. You'd think someone had just decreed that whoever wins gets a lifetime supply of fish or summat. Man... Random encounters like these never cease to amaze me." With the fake out itself working perfectly and the rest of Joey's group all flinching in unison with the near impact of the attack, the only thing that could be heard was Joey thinking to himself. "Hmmm.... Hmmmm...." He murmured, scratching the stubble on his chin with his fingers as his expression looked as if he was about to blow a blood vessel from over thinking too hard. "Don't think too hard, simpleton." "Oooh... That is kinda harsh. My amigo is not an intellectual but you have to go so hard on him, eh muchacha?" Flashing her eyes over to Salazar, she was aware they had both never really had a chance to meet and greet. "I've called the moron far worse. If anything, I expected you to stick up for him like that. What with you being his number one choice from day one." Although Salazar may not have known much about the aloof Calistra, it appeared the Zoroark was well informed over Salazar's back story.

Before Salazar could return any of the conversation, Joey clicked his fingers and appeared to have come to a conclusion over what he was thinking about. "I feel sorry for this guy you know? He's obviously the same as that Pachirisu. Wandered out here lookin' fer some food and he ain't gonna get any here. Not with Slash on the case. Maybe I can find him some place else where he can enjoy a good bite or two." Having returned to his position on the field, Slash looked up and pulled an incredulous eyebrow whilst meowing up to Joey despondently. "Urrrrgh... You ain't seriously thinkin' of takin' this fleabag with us? The warehouse's got enough room for a Meowth like me. 'Sides, don't want Selina's eyes divertin'. Lemme finish him off and we can skedaddle for the fish?" Knowing full well from Slash's behaviour he was not liking where Joey was going with his idea, he shrugged with a playful grin and had taken out a Greatball from his belt pouch. "Nah, he can be a guest at the warehouse till we find the guy a new home. How about it whiskers?" Invited Joey over to the wild Meowth. With a well practised aim, he tossed the Greatball forward and hoped for the best in acquiring this other Meowth.

Item used:

x1 Greatball (Autoupdating)

[Tyger]

The Pokemon of this particular route had successfully conveyed their pitiful plight; they were hungry. Although, Meowth currently had a full stomach. But, one would definitely trade grass and berries, maybe the occasional Wurmple for the promise of fish any day. The pain it was feeling after Slash's initial attack (for he too was probably guarding the promise of fish for himself!) was a bit disheartening, but inevitably, it's ploy wouldn't be stopped. Branishing it's impressive claws and ruffling up it's fur angrily, Meowth did it's best to intimidate Slash. Sure, he was super fancy with the silly things he was wearing, but still. Wild Meowth wanted to make an impression.

Lemme finish him off and we can skedaddle for the fish?
for the fish?
fish?
fish

Despair tugged at the Meowth, practically weighing it down. It hadn't even had a chance to attack yet. The wild, feline, feral instincts were kicking in, and Meowth was about to get this party started. Instead, it was being counted out before things even began? No way. Growling, Meowth charged. However, it wasn't met with claws, or the glint of Slash's head coin. No, instead, it was something different. The blue capsule rocketed towards Meowth, considering that the feline was running straight towards it, and plinked against the head coin of the feline. With a yowl, the feline was trapped inside. Despite the thrashings, nothing was opening that capsule. Accepting it's fate, maybe Meowth would be allowed to tag along for the fish? 

The Pokeball shakes once...

twice...

...

thrice...

---

Congratulations! You've successfully captured the Fish-loving Wild Meowth! Please fill out the code below to claim your newest team member.

[img src="http://pldh.net/media/pokemon/gen5/blackwhite/052.png"]
[b]Meowth[/b]
Name: [choose]
Gender: [choose]
Level: 31
Attacks: Pay Day, Taunt, Faint Attack, Screech
Ability: Pick Up or Technician
Nature/Personality: [choose]

Slash protected the precious promise of fish and gained +1,550 EXP, and +1 Happiness (Max)!
(2,874/3,997)