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Post by Giulia Rossi on Dec 21, 2014 12:00:32 GMT -7
Welcome to the Pokemon League Holiday Party! This is a "hang-out" thread. Feel free to enter and leave as you please. This thread will close on January 2, 2015.
In the heart of the sprawling ancient city of Terna, a large gathering of trainers has appeared. They occupy the Argent Promenade, a huge, open square lined with four marked Pokemon battlefields, embellished by a dug-out pit on the west side. In the pit, behind safety fences and strict warnings, stand the ruins of four temples, each varying in size, shape, and the god to which each was dedicated. A stage and podium have been erected in front of the safety fences, and upon it stands a lone woman, preparing to speak to the masses of Pokemon trainers huddled around the stage.
"Ciao! I'm Lialta League Champion, Giulia Rossi!
I'd like to welcome you all to this beautiful venue, the beautiful Argent Promenade, in our gorgeous capital city of Lialta, Terna!
Please, be sure to call and invite your friends! This is meant to be a celebration of how far our league has come!
We encourage trainers to battle each other, chat together, and eat together. We'd like to thank Haven Corp for providing refreshments, and planning this awesome party!
I will be wandering around, and I will try to introduce myself to as many of you as I can!
Have fun, and let's have an excellent Holiday Celebration!"
Giulia stepped down from her podium, thanking the heavens she could drop her cheery speech persona. She would only need a mingle for a few hours, force a couple smiles, and shake a few hands. Giulia hated doing PR stunts like this, but the marketing department at Haven Corp assured her that this was a perfect way to boost her image, now that she was league champion. Giulia smirked a bit, remembering that she could have all of those assholes in the marketing department fired in a second, if she wished. The perks of being a CEO to the region's largest corporation were nothing to be balked at. But neither were the perks of being champion. Giulia sighed, putting her cheery disposition back into place before she headed from the stage toward a group of trainers, one of whom she thought she recognized..
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Post by Kurtis Ise on Dec 21, 2014 12:18:55 GMT -7
Kurtis was surrounded in a semi-circle of trainers, all of whom were excited to see the champion. League groupies were wonderful people, most of the time, because of their dedication to Pokemon and battling. But when the really intense fans cropped up, even Kurtis had trouble keeping his patience. One of the kids in the semi-circle, a youngster with only two Pokemon, was speaking a mile a minute, and he wanted to make sure Kurtis listened to every word.
"I mean, I don't want to say that I'm the best or anything," the youngster continued, "but I'm pretty sure my Rattata is in the top percentage of Rattata."
"If you treat a Pokemon with care," Kurtis smiled, as he reached down and scratched his Weavile behind one of her ears, "you would surprised how strong they become."
The youngster smiled wider than the Terbor River running through Terna. "You really think so?"
Kurtis chuckled. "I know that's how I've gotten as far as I have."
The youngster then reached into his bag and pulled out a small notebook, flipping to an empty page. "Won't you please sign, Mr. Ise?"
Kurtis laughed as he took the pen and notebook. "Please, just call me Kurtis."
The youngster beamed as he retrieved the freshly autographed notebook.
"I hope to see you and your Rattata at my gym in Taurinno very soon."
"You will, I promise!"
Kurtis nodded as he turned away from the group of trainers. As he turned, he noticed the an old friend coming his way.
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Post by Dr. Researcher Man on Dec 21, 2014 13:54:38 GMT -7
Jingly Bells, Kurtis Smells
A guard stands watch near the fence to the temples, "You can come back tomorrow after the party, Professor."
"They might not be there tomorrow. Who know's what could happen between now and then?" The Professor was not going to take no for an answer.
"You're just going to have to take no for an answer, sir. You will be free to pass tomorrow. I believe there are people present who want to meet you. Go talk to them." The guard gestured over toward a large gathering of people.
"You know what? You're right, mr. guardsman. I should go show off this rad Pokemon I have." Guy leaves the guard alone and makes a straight line for the center of the group. There, in the center, was his old friend from Johto, Kurtis Ise. The two of them met many years ago as children when Professor Elm had the two run an errand together. Over the years Kurtis accompanied Guy on a few explorations, otherwise they kept in touch through though the internet. This was their main way of keeping in touch until Guy's arrival in Lialta one year ago. They've seen each other off-and-on since then, but Kurtis has yet to go on any expeditions in Lialta or see Guy's newest Pokemon. The young Professor walks through the group and starts to sing, and screw up, a festive song to get Kurtis' attention. "Jingle bells, Kurtis smells, something something, hey look at this thing I have!"
Over his shoulder floats an Unown shaped like the letter "L", wearing a tiny santa hat. "Do you see this, Kurtis? Years of research put into the Unown, and what do I do with it? I put a Santa hat on one. God, I love this thing." Guy gave it a pat on the "head". The Unown didn't seem to mind, though, it was obvious that it was well taken care of. "So what've you been up to? Gym leader-y things are a given, but I can't imagine that's ALL you do."
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Post by Kurtis Ise on Dec 21, 2014 14:12:46 GMT -7
Kurtis chuckled as the Unown floated between them. "Damn it, Guy, it's been too long.
I've been keeping busy. I work at the Alpenine Pokemon Reserve when I can. I got myself a couple new Pokemon in there, which I've been training up."
Weavile made a small noise, grabbing the attention of the two trainers. "Vile."
"Oh yes, and Sophie has to say hi."
Kurtis patted the Weavile on her crown. "You know what, I have an idea! Let's have a battle! I wanna see what your new Unown is capable of!"
Challenging Dr. Researcher Man to a Singles Battle, 4v4.
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Post by Dr. Researcher Man on Dec 21, 2014 14:25:47 GMT -7
"Hey, Sophie." Guy looks from the Weevile at its owner, "Alright, Kurtis. Fight me."
Challenge accepted from Mr. Blue, 4v4
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Post by Kurtis Ise on Dec 21, 2014 15:38:31 GMT -7
Kurtis smiled. "Let's head over to one of the battlegrounds!"
The two made their way over to one of the battle fields. Weavile jumped a bit in excitement. She was ready for a battle.
"Alright, lets get this battle started," Kurtis spoke softly to his friend. Most people around them weren't paying attention. "Come on Mary, let's get this thing started!"
Kurtis tossed out the green and yellow Pokeball, releasing the large Pokemon. Cloud formed above the area, and snow began to tumble from the sky. People around the field turned to watch.
"Oh you dick," Guy chuckled, taking cover from the new weather. "I should've known."
Guy pointed at the battlefield, "Come on Unown, lets go! Now your hat has matching weather!"
Kurtis smiled. Unown floated forward. The battle had begun.
Unown glowed as it unleashed its Hidden Power. Kurtis thought quickly, knowing it wasn't time for his Abomasnow. Mary had set the snow for his team, now it was time for his real opener.
"Abomasnow, come back!" Kurtis pulled the Pokemon back to its Pokeball. "Go for it, Sophie!"
"Vile!" The Weavile dashed forward, as the Unown released its energy. The move hit Sophie hard, knocking her on her back. Unown began to charge again. This was Weavile's chance. "Night Slash, now!" Kurtis ordered.
Sophie sprang to her feet, and jettisoned forward, slashing the hovering opponent with her fierce claws. The Unown shuddered, and began to tumble, as Guy pulled it back into its ball.
"Go, Fury!"
Guy released his Feraligatr, that strong opponent Kurtis had trained against for so many years. "Weavile, Night Slash, again!"
The Weavile ran forward, raking her claws across Feraligatr's chest. The Water-type roared as it grabbed Weavile, and and slammed her into the ground.
"Come on back, Sophie," Kurtis ordered. "You've done quite enough."
Kurtis looked back at his Pokeballs as the Weavile returned to his side. Now was the right time to use her.
"Go! Hail Mary!"
The snowstorm that had been fading surged with more intensity. A small gathering of spectators began to grow. Small chunks of ice harmlessly bounced on the ground. "Mary, Giga Drain!"
The massive Pokemon roared. Feraligatr dashed forward, disregarding his defenses to slam into the Grass-type as hard as he could. Abomasnow latched onto Fury, and drained him of life-force, restoring the health that Feraligatr had damaged with his attack. The large Feraligatr stumbled back, and Guy returned him to his Pokeball.
"Go, Lady!"
Gardevoir shined forward with elegance, unleashing its psychic powers on Abomasnow. "Mary, hunker down!"
Abomasnow unleashed a flurry of seeds, covering Gardevoir in Leech Seed. Hail intesified on the battlefield as Gardevoir unleashed more attacks. Abomasnow pulled on the leech seeds, replenishing its health as Gardevoir continued its onslaght. The Hail began to dissipate. Gardevoir's attacks become slower. The two Pokemon grew weary, as they continued to battle. The crowd was large now, and eyes glued on the two competitors.
"This is done," Kurtis conceded first. "Come back, Mary."
Guy nodded in agreement, as he returned Lady and pulled out his last Pokeball. "A-ha, man. Here we go, Venusaur, here we go! It's show time!"
The large Grass-type roared as it came out onto the battlefield. The Hail had returned to a light snow. The Venusaur began to glow as its Mega Stone reacted to Guy's keystone. A brilliant flash, and the orb that had formed around Venusaur shattered, revealing the fully evolved Pokemon.
"Alright," Kurtis smirked. "Lets do this then. Go, Brainy!"
The Glalie sprang forward, shining as the mega stone that adorned his small, red bow-tie began to shine. The Glalie mega-evolved, growling with his gaping, open mouth. Brainy snarled at the Venusaur, taunting it. Guy gave a quick order, and a massive bubble of poison congealed in front of Venusaur, before it shot out, splattering against the Glalie.
"Crap, he can't take another hit," Kurtis spoke to himself. "Brainy, think you could do the thing?"
Glalie nodded, as he began to glow. Venusaur began another attack. The Glalie shined brightly, and exploded.
Kurtis covered his eyes as a cyan flash tore through them. A few moments later, the dust cleared. Both Pokemon were down.
"Wooo!" Kurtis smiled, returning his Glalie. "That was fun, Guy!"
Mr. Blue wins the battle, 1-0.
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Post by Alexander Midas on Dec 21, 2014 19:03:29 GMT -7
Alexander eyed the party-goers, Gengar masquerading as his shadow. Among them he recognized a few as contacts in the black market, and smiled at how well this loose organization was becoming embedded in the city. His eyes were drawn to the ruins, and a bald man in a lab coat being turned away from them. If people who actually belonged there were being turned away, he'd have to get more creative to find his way in. But Alexander had expected that.
"Gengar," he whispered, "Keep an eye on the guy with the lab coat. Let me know if they find a way in."
Alexander's shadow twitched as Gengar dashed off, moving from shadow to shadow.
"Alexander! Alexander!" Someone was threading through the crowd, trying to reach him. As he broke past a group of trainers watching two idiots battle, Alexander recognized the man as one of his less tactful black market contacts. He groaned. Did this guy know nothing about subtlety?
Alexander forced a grin. "John! I didn't expect to see you here! Lets get away from this damn snow and chat about public displays."
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Post by Dr. Researcher Man on Dec 21, 2014 19:18:28 GMT -7
"And that's why I don't battle." Guy returned his Venusaur to its ball. "So how about that Pokecenter? Wanna head down there and get these guys healed?"
Kurtis agrees and the two set off toward the Center. The two walk side-by-side with snow lightly falling around them, Guy leans over and whispers in Kurtis' ear "So, Kurtis... I have an idea of what we should do next. Should be fun."
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Post by Aden Hayes on Dec 21, 2014 19:39:45 GMT -7
Interesting. At least, that was the best word Aden could think of. The weather was taking a turn for the chillier as light snow was starting to fall. Luckily, he was a fire-type gym leader. Flare the Arcanine stood next to Aden like a rather large space heater, and quite a number of the crowd that had gathered were staying nearby to keep warm. The Terna leader's smile was wide as he observed the festivities. The holiday party was indeed a good idea, it was great exposure of the league to people who didn't normally set foot into a gym.
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Post by Marcus Nemo on Dec 21, 2014 20:41:40 GMT -7
Marcus stretched as he left the Pokemon center and headed towards the festivities. He was wearing blue jeans, a white shirt, and a brown coat. On his feet were hiking boots. He had only one poke-ball at his side at this time, but he still walked with an air of confidence -- not necessarily in himself, but he knew his Kabutops was pretty strong and he wasn't afraid to battle with his first and best friend on his hip. He saw two people -- a bit of a ways off -- coming his way that stood out. One had a shaved head and glasses, and the other was recognizable. After a moment of thinking, Marcus recalled the name of the Gym Leader from Taurinno: Kurtis Ise. The Pokemon hunter couldn't help but give Gym Leaders a measure of respect: they always had well-trained, sometimes rare Pokemon. Not just that: their Pokemon usually loved their trainer -- something Marcus had always used as a measure of a person's worth as a Pokemon user. Because of this, Marcus kept an interested eye on Kurtis.
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Post by Kurtis Ise on Dec 21, 2014 22:39:40 GMT -7
Kurtis followed his friend from the Pokemon Center. It was a short distance, but by the time they had arrived back at the Argent Promenade, Guy had told Kurtis his plan; they were going to sneak into the temples area.
Kurtis chuckled at his friend, "You know, I'm sure they'll let you get in tomorrow."
Guy ignored him. He wasn't going to take no for an answer.
The two trainers sneaked around, dodging the guard that had denied the researcher earlier. In a quick motion, Guy jumped over the chain link fence. Kurtis followed suit, tripping on the top of the fence and falling on top of Guy. A few seconds later, Weavile was over the fence as well. Both of the trainers grunted as she landed on top of them.
"Well, we're in," Kurtis observed as they collected themselves. "Now what?"
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Post by X on Dec 22, 2014 2:06:55 GMT -7
X had heard about this day months ago. Being here had taken serious effort through various means, but to him this experience was irreplaceable. It was the best opportunity he would ever get to figure out what he was in for once he began challenging the league. He needed to know, not just to get every advantage he could, but also because despite all the training and work and conviction he put forward, he was unsure if he could do it. What if he wasn't as good as he thought he was? What if his whole life to this point had been wasted? He couldn't hold on to the thought.
Giulia Rossi finished her speech and the crowd began to disperse. The League Champion was the manifestation of everything X had struggled against his whole life. He had heard well enough to know that wealth, respect, and anything else she wanted had been handed to her since she had been born. She never knew what it meant to pick herself up because she had never fallen. Knowing that he would eventually have to face her filled X with determination, and dread.
Someone was starting a battle. X hardly cared to break his attention on Rossi until he heard a wave of rumors rush through the crowd that one of the combatants was the Gym Leader in Taurinno. As X approached the battlefield he felt a sharp cold wash over him and buried himself in his jacket. He caught sight of the battlefield in time to be momentarily blinded by a powerful burst of light. Blinking for a moment, X made out a Glalie in it's mega form slumped across from a Venusaur in similar condition. “That thing looks wicked” He thought. “And that could be a problem.” He was now looking at the Weavile slumped against its trainer, who he gathered was Kurtis Ise.
The battle over, the crowd began to fold in on itself and people passed around X like water around a rock. He was surrounded and alone. Few things felt more familiar. He turned his attention back on Rossi. She was the final rung on his ladder and while each one below her must be overcome, he felt that he needed to stay focused on his destination. As popular as she was, Rossi wasn't difficult to find in the crowd. However, no matter how much X kept an eye on her it would prove no use if no one challenged her; a possibility X began to fear was far too likely.
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Post by Alexander Midas on Dec 22, 2014 8:56:38 GMT -7
"And that's why we don't call my name out in public." Alexander said, his hand resting lightly on John's shoulder.
John opened his mouth to speak, but was interrupted by Gengar's return. Alexander nodded as Gengar pointed to a spot the guard wasn't watching where they could get over the fence guarding the temples if they were quick. Alexander made to walk away, then stopped, a finger resting lightly on his mouth. He turned back to John.
"My friend," he said in low, conspiratorial tones, "I don't expect to find anything here, but if I do, I may need someone to deal with any... outside influences impeding my work. Find our people scattered throughout this party and have them keep an eye on the temples. If it looks like something is going down, they need to head my way."
John looked confused, but nodded anyway and soon was lost to Alexander's sight in the throng of the party. Alexander broke into a brisk walk as Gengar became his shadow once again. They slipped past the guard and vaulted the fence. It was time to hunt.
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Post by Giulia Rossi on Dec 22, 2014 11:56:24 GMT -7
Giulia was swarmed, surrounded, and utterly annoyed.
"Please can you battle?" one particularly obstinate child had been goading her for at least 15 minutes now, ever since the snow had started.
Giulia smiled. She pulled a Pokeball from her belt.
"Come on out, Togekiss!" She ordered, as the flying Pokemon exited its container.
The young child's eyes lit up. Giulia smiled. "Togekiss, fly me home. I'm sick of this party."
The Togekiss nodded as Giulia took hold. They lifted from the ground, and the last face Giulia saw was the little girl's, as she was about to break into tears.
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Post by Dr. Researcher Man on Dec 22, 2014 14:47:25 GMT -7
Professor Guy and the Temple of Doom
"Well, we're in," Kurtis observed as they collected themselves. "Now what?"
"Go in, probably." Guy gestures for Kurtis to follow. "Want a history lesson? Not that you need one. Anyway, these four temples are called Victory, Life, Desire, and Time, and each is dedicated to a different mythological Pokemon. Victory was named for Victini, Life for Mew, Desire for Jirachi, and Time for Celebi. They were built because those Pokemon supposedly frequented the area. Supposedly." The two walk into the center of the Temple of Time where a moderately sized mosaic adorned the floor. It was of a large, white tree with black roots and many branches. On the end of each branch was a depiction of something different. "This doesn't look like anything I've learned about this region's mythology. Is it historical? Are these events in Lialta's past?" Guy kneels down to inspect the mosaic.
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