Indigo League - Forest Showdown

[-Xu-]

Contestants - Slim vs T.G. Oskar
Rules - 3 vs 3


No godmodding,
Use your common sense - powerfull attacks like hyperbeam can be avoided, but if hit will probably take your pokemon down.
Only the attacks, pokemona and items told to me beforehand are allowed.
Withdrawing a pokemon means it is out of the battle for good.
All heal attacks, Recover, Heal Bell, Wish etc, can only be used once per side per battle.


Try to be creative
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Xu picked herself up and walked out of the pokecenter, Viridian Forest loomed over head. It wasn’t long before the quiet atmosphere of her surroundings was disturbed by noise, looking round Xu saw two trainers, one whom she recognised immediately, arguing with each other.
The other trainer seemed blissfully unaware as to who he was challenging, ‘tch, just let them be’, she thought. Ready to set back on her own path, Xu was not really in the mood to be called upon.
‘Hey’, called Slim, ‘you owe me one remember’.
Sighing knowing it was true, she agree to ref a match between the two trainers, after explaining the rules, she called out for them to begin.

[T.G. Oskar]

It was a quiet morning at Viridian. The lush greenery, the brimming trees, the soft breeze singing a soft lullaby as it rushed the leaves. And the bugs...but, why would the bugs bother? He tried as much not to pass through high grass, in order to not ruin his peaceful day, but every now and then he had to pass through these parches full of wild and untamed Pokemon. Of course, someone as him was not interested in such particular Pokemon in the area. He had captured quite a bunch, and had developed a particular taste for rare kinds of Pokemon, those who could have a tactical aspect to it. A natural thought, for he was truly a Pokemon enthusiast. Of course, those who might have known him may think otherwise...

Since he was little, he had little interest for Pokemon, but an enlightening experience changed his life forever. A world of adventure, of exploration. The very same thought that led him to Kanto, to explore this new and fascinating world in the company of his Pokemon, which through time he has learned to respect and care for. Before, even the very sight of Pokemon eluded his brain; now, he could wander off days alone thinking about Pokemon and strategy, moves and types, and those rare kinds he wished to capture, train, and love.
Just as now...absent-minded, as he wandered towards Pewter City and Mount Moon, looking for Paras. A very odd choice, but nevertheless wishing to harness its hidden power.

But of course, a fine walk would serve to distract him from the long journey. And, the Repels he bought in would serve to prevent distractions. No wild Pokemon would disturb him, and he would be able to keep his way without problems. Only one thing eluded his mind right now...

Pokemon Trainers...

As he traversed the middle of the forest, backpack set, and looking at nature's beauty, a loud scream broke the serenity of the area. Caterpies, Weedles, and even some stray Pikachus ran away from the angry roar that emanated from beyond. The loud voice broke Oskar's trance, returning him to the real world. Trying to recognize from where the voice came, he saw as a bug collector came walking towards him, indeed pissed off at something. Mumbling and probably cursing, Oskar noted the strange set of Pokeballs in his collection. Few Bug Catchers could have anything beyond basic Pokeballs, or maybe even Net Balls in their possesion: this one, however, had more. Not as he could identify them, but he still noted the difference. His semblance was also quite different. He had tried since he began to treat all Trainers with the same respect, but he couldn't help but being cocky at him. Indeed, the event would escalate into a battle. Reflexively, he placed his hand at the chain hanging from his jeans, holding all but 3 Pokemon: a simple Pokeball with a star marking, a Great Ball with a kanji sticker, and an Ultra Ball with a heart sticker. He signaled at the Great Ball, ready to deploy it.

"So", said Oskar, "how did I disturbed you? Surely there must be a..."

The catcher explained to him his reason, while interrupting him: seemingly, he was after a bug with rare coloring. That alone made Oskar to cease paying him attention: a rare type match was his goal, and a strong Pokemon was fine to him. But capturing a Pokemon just for differences in coloring? That was lame and stupid, he thought. How he would pay some respect to someone who cared about Pokemon coloring? But, then again, he was also a fanatic in some respect: handling rare-type Pokemon was an ordeal, and most types were weak compared to stronger one-types. Surely, that made him similar in...

The lapse of absence was cut off as the angry collector shouted a mad "HEEEYY!!!" at him, evidently noticing Oskar had ignored him. He demanded a battle to settle the differences, for the lack of respect toward a fellow Trainer.

"All right, then!!!", Oskar rudely replied, as he was bothered that his peaceful stride was interrupted. "Be it so, and make it quick, be you skilled, weak, or overwhelming: I have no time. Mind ya, I'm also pissed off, y'know".

Far in sight, a female Trainer, surrounded by an aura of great importance, saw them bickering and reached closer. Her imposing movement, and her fierce and determined eyes denoted her as being probably more than meets the eye. She neared, closer, as she agreed to be the battle referee. Apparently, she knew the other trainer: as if they were companions, or maybe colleagues, or even friends.

"Hey...you owe me one, remember?", she muttered him, as if settling a debt. Oskar couldn't stop but think: "...maybe they must be close friends, or rivals. Only a friend or rival would talk about a debt..."

She explained the rules quite fast, and sternly. Only 3 Pokemon, no withdrawals, and the use of recovery abilities was limited to once per encounter. Fair, he thought: as if he were to use recovery skills. He had learned a hard lesson, but still deemed the recovery skills as too much of a gamble.

His hand never leaving the chain holding his Pokemon, Oskar decided to deploy the first Pokemon. He was perhaps being too cocky, but he felt like he entered into a battle he might not win. Great Ball in hand, he muttered this simple haiku:

"You, soaring in the blue sky,
silent as a breeze, swift as a cold steel knife,
show me your stern loyalty"

"I call you to my presence, Skarmory!!!"

As the Great Ball revealed, a fierce looking Skarmory appeared beneath his opponent. Skarmory, reflexively, stretched its right leg, as its wings formed a "S" shape, fixed looking at the catcher. Ready for his trainer's command.

"Skarmory, swift as a mirage. Double-Team!!!"

[Slim Perfect]

Slim threw open his closet doors and reached into the heap that lay before him. Grasping what felt like the article he was looking for, he pulls his arm from the mess and, sure enough, there was his brown cloak, one end held firmly in his palm. He pulled it over top of his usual uniform; a grey shirt and matching brown shorts and hat. The cloak was dull and ragged, it seemed to have been quite worn. Now, having been suitably outfitted, he moved a few feet from the closet towards a large cabinet, standing upwards, next to his bed. Inside were his pokeballs. Much more care was taken into retaining order here than in the closet he had just moments before rummaged through. Everything was kept perfectly organized, far from the expected condition of anything belonging to a teenager of Slim's age. He took care of his pokemon. The walls were decorated with a variety of badges; clearly he had a bit of experience, despite the fact that he was all of fifteen years old. In the center of this 'shrine,' so to speak, was a large bin, containing dozens of assorted pokeballs. In front of this bin were six pokeballs, each fitted into their own individual pedestals to keep them standing upright. 5 of them were stuffed into Slim's pocket, but the sixth was clipped onto a chain and slung around Slim's neck. There was obviously some level of importance associated with this particular Pokemon. And at that he headed out, not forgetting his net before he closed the door behind him.

Minutes passed and he had made it to his favourite hunting spot. He pulled an empty Master Ball from his pocket. He had done all he could to acquire this tool, and finally, at long last, he would be able to use it. Not only was this the forest he had caught the pokemon he held so dear to his heart, but it was also the one where he had seen it....

One day, during class, he overheard a beautiful young girl talking to her friends about her favourite pokemon. She told of how she'd always love to watch the Sunflora frolic and play in mid summers-day. She found it fascinating how they seemed so care free and peaceful with something so simple as sunlight, and the smell they emitted was fantastic!

So Slim decided that to win this girls heart he would catch her the most beautiful Sunflora he could find. So he bought as many Pokeballs as he could afford, two Premier Balls were thrown in by the salesman, and set off, determined to do whatever he could to find the best Sunflora there ever was.

It had been at least 4 days into his search. He had caught at least half a dozen different Sunflora, however, each one had some kind of flaw. Whether it was a missing petal, a bad attitude, or a foul smell, something was terribly wrong with each and every one. Finally, he found it. The perfect Sunflora. It was smaller than most, already a 'cute' factor in the eyes of a woman, but much more noticinly.... it was pink. And it let off the most enchanting smell! It was the perfect gift for the one he loved, but he was unable to catch it! The smell would either put to sleep, or attract every pokemon he had in his party, and it was simply impossible to get it weak enough to capture. That's why he got the Master Ball. Finding the pokemon was no longer the issue, he knew where it was, he just needed to catch it. A Master Ball would be perfect to do just that. Through community service and outstanding achievement awards, he was finally rewarded with the Master Ball.

And that brings us to where we are today.

The beautiful Sunflora sits directly in front of Slim, bouncing it's head to a beat that is not there. There is complete and utter silence. Slim pulls the Master Ball from his pocket. Slowly he reaches out, ball in hand, towards the Sunflora. If he could just get close enough to tap it with the ball.....

*crunch*

The sunflora flees at the sudden change in atmosphere. Something has just made an EXTREMELY loud noise.

"AAAARGH!" cries Slim, realizing how close his was to finally reaching his impossible goal.

He runs through the grass, holding his net like a weapon, ready to KILL whatever just ruined the perfect moment.

He pushes through an exceptionally large stalk of grass, only to see a trainer there, his right foot on top of a twig, or rather, two that were previously attached at the exact point the mans foot lays.

The man notices the expression displayed on Slim's face and begins to speak.
"So, how did I disturb you? Surely there must be a...."

"You know what? I don't care. Just shut up and listen."
Slim interrupts the man and takes his time to, rudely, explain why he is furious with the Trainer that stands before him. He tells him of his past few weeks, and his various attempts to catch the pink Sunflora.

The trainer seems lost in thought. A few silent moments pass by. Annoyed Slim corrupts the quiet with a loud and sarcastic 'HEEEEYY! Anyone home, nutcase? We battle. NOW! You know, I may have let you off with just a warning, but screw that! You're gunna just start igNORing me!?'

"All right, then!!!", The man's voice is now also tainted with a hint of rudeness. "Be it so, and make it quick, be you skilled, weak, or overwhelming: I have no time. Mind ya, I'm also pissed off, y'know".

At that very moment Slim notices an old acquaintance of his, walking a fair distance away from them. She seems to be rushing along, as if she's trying to avoid something......

"Hey, Xu! You owe me one remember?" Slim yells over to her at the top of his lungs. She sighs reluctantly, but, nonetheless, walks over towards them. "Ref this match and we'll call it even."

She quickly goes over the rules. She seems to have made it a bit more interesting. Only 3 pokemon, the use of only one healing technique, per side, per battle, and a withdrawal results in that pokemons expulsion from the battle.

'Fair enough.' Slim thinks to himself. 'How often do I use healing techniques anyway..........' That being said a terrifying thought enters Slim's mind. 'What about skills like Mega Drain, and Absorb? Those attacks cause physical damage, as well as replenish an amount of health. Would that be considered a healing skill? No matter now anyway, I will try to avoid using such skills until I get the chance to ask Xu.'

As soon as he turns back to the battle, he realizes his enemy, now identified as Oskar, chanting a brief poem.

"You, soaring in the blue sky,
silent as a breeze, swift as a cold steel knife,
show me your stern loyalty...

I call you to my presence, Skarmory!"

Slims heart sinks into the darkest depths of his stomach, realizing the challenge he now faces. A bird Pokemon. A bird Pokemon to counter his Bug. Counter in a sense that, its attacks can, and most likely will, affect his bug pokemon greatly. He looks to the ball chained around his neck and speaks to it.

"I do not wish to use you just yet, old friend. However, I think I may need your help here buddy. Are ya with me?"

The chains begin to rattle as the pokeball shakes and begins to glow a radiant red. It escapes Slim's grasp and a red beam of light shoots from the front of the ball, hitting the ground just 4 feet ahead of Slim. As the light takes shape, the cry of his pokemon can be heard. A valiant, courageous cry. He had answered his masters call, and was ready to fight 'til the end.

"Thank you......" he whispers to himself as the ball falls motionless, back to rest against his chest.

"Heheheh, don't let his size fool you.... Come on Breloom!"

The red light had completed its full transformation into an exceptionally small Breloom, even on a Brelooms standards.

"Skarmory, swift as a mirage, Double-Team!"
Oskar had began to give orders to his Pokemon. The battle had began.

Slim had to hit him hard before the Skarmorys evasiveness rose. There was only one moveould think of that was quick enough to ensure the first strike, and pack a punch.

"Not before we open up with a Mach Punch!"

[T.G. Oskar]

Oskar's Skarmory, noticing his trainer's command, immediately set to gesture intricately with its wings, as if it were fingers making signs. The quick gestures preceded the event, as Skarmory seemingly divided into 2...

...but the wit of the catcher, the one named Slim, was quite astonishing. In a flash of thought, the trainer muttered, very sure of himself: "Not before we open up with a Mach Punch". Oskar's lapse of thought was interrupted as Skarmory was struck, in mid-move, with a blunt hit to its armor. The speed of the Pokemon was astonishing, striking precisely into Skarmory in mid-execution. So much he had learned from the ninja trainers hiding in his native Hoenn, the very same that agreed to teach his Skarmory the art of Pokemon Genjutsu, and their very peculiar way of executing Double-Team. Skarmory was now blurry, covered by a mirage, but bruised, and in pain. It was looking fixed towards the Pokemon that had dealt it such bruise, and so was Oskar.

As the other Pokemon reduced its speed, it revealed to be a Breloom, a mushroom-like Pokemon with fierce combat moves. He knew, surely: those Pokemon were known for their extending fist-like appendages. As well, they were swift moving, and eager to dodge like boxers. A small size only could deal trouble: swifter, and faster, and having a smaller strike area. Only a very knowledgeable, and secure, trainer, would use someone so weak against birds to face him. The might and speed of that Mach Punch could spell disaster, and so could the wide array of moves the Pokemon could learn. Only the ninja-hardened reflexes of Skarmory would prevent a disaster.

He knew that a sole move could spell defeat or victory...and he had to set this move carefully. His second stage in the preparation would be setting a favorable surrounding for it. And he had just the perfect move for it...

"Skarmory, invoke the wrath of the earth. Sandstorm!!!"

Skarmory moved swiftly, from side to side, scratching the soil in a violent dance, until the forest became a cyclone of small rocks and eroding soil. He knew that it was a challenge to breed and train that Breloom...a worthy opponent indeed. He was anxious, as he never usually was...he knew, win or lose, he was against an opponent he never had faced before.

"Come, Slim...I know that Breloom is more than meets the eye. Show me what you got...and don't rely on the martial arts. I know that might be redundant to you, but an advice is never wasted..."