OOC: FINAL FREAKINGLY. I'm sorry for taking absolutely forever with this post. @_@ It's still not the best I could have churned out, but writing was giving me hell for a long time and I've been otherwise occupied with a lot of stuff. So here's a gym battle.
The first time Gad stepped through the doors of Coumarine City’s gym, it took his breath away.
Carved into the living rocks of the Coumarine hillside and enclosed from above by a geodesic dome of steel-and-glass triangles was a vast circular enclosure, its terraced walls resplendent with vibrantly-colored flowerbeds. The enclosure itself was an immaculately groomed indoor garden, paths of stone mosaic weaving between artfully-arranged patches of plants - flowering bushes and ferns and climbing vines weaving around pillars and arches of marble and metal. Water cascaded through channels along the terraces to a ring-shaped central channel framing the garden enclosure, small bridges joining the enclosure to the stairways that ran along the terraces, connecting them to one another – and at the center of it all lay a grassy arena, its surface occasionally disrupted by artfully arranged worn rocks, clearly used to create variations in the battlefield. The glass-filtered light and the water made the air warm and humid, but not overly so – sophisticated climate control systems maintaining a carefully-balanced equilibrium – and the plants, judging by their healthy looks and vibrant colors, were clearly very lovingly cared for.
It was a beautiful, peaceful, and quiet place - save for the sound of flowing water and his own footprints against the path, briefly shifting from stone to wood as he crossed the channel into the garden proper on one of the bridges. He walked slowly, taking in the sights and the scents of flowers and leaves as he approached the arena, occasionally pausing to admire corners that particularly caught his eyes. He was studying the intertwining double helices of ivy on a mossy pillars set amidst golden and purple flowering bushes when a gravelly voice startled him from his reverie.
“I take it that yeh like it here, sprout.”
Gad turned sharply to find himself face to face with an old man that was
definitely not there a moment ago, a wry half-grin on his wrinkled face.
He was bald - save for the white, whisker-like tufts of his beard – and clad in a gardener’s outfit in dark greens and blacks, an orange scarf around his neck and an ivy cap resting on his head. He was somewhat bent with age, and yet his presence radiated a kind of
inner strength and serenity that suggested that this was not a man to be underestimated – a subtle sensation made much less subtle by the
truly enormous pair of pruning scissors he held in one of his gloved hands. He tilted his head a little to the side, patiently waiting for a reply.
“Yeah, I do. Very much so, actually.” Gad nodded, a smile coming to his face.
“Heh. Good. I like it here too. It’s always nice to see people appreciative of my work here.“ the old man grinned a little wider, then shook his head with a wistful sigh “Not enough young people these days know how to appreciate a peaceful stroll through a garden. Always in such a hurry…”
He appeared lost in thought for a moment.
“Ah, well.” In a single fluid motion, the old man tossed his pair of scissors upwards and caught them again with accuracy and grace one would never expect from a man of his years. “Can’t be helped. That’s the world for yeh right there. So. What can I do for yeh, sprout?”
“Well, I came here to challenge the gym.” Gad replied “Are you, by any chance, the Gym Leader?”
“That’s me,” Replied the old man “Ramos’ the name and this gym is my pride and joy. Yeh have the look of a trainer who has been around a battle or two – but yeh still look a little wet behind the ears. Is this yer first gym battle?”
“Guilty as charged.” Gad nodded
“Well, then.” Ramos grinned. “I’ll be sure to make it a memorable one.”
~*~
As the trainer and the gym leader took their position on the battlefield, so did a referee – an auburn-haired, freckled, bespectacled young woman clad in a forest-green gardener’s tunic who seemed oddly familiar to Gad in a way he couldn’t quite place. She announced the rules of the battle – each trainer was to use up to two Pokémon, no time limit, only the challenger is allowed to switch mid-battle. Having only one Pokémon put him at a disadvantage, but he hoped the fact the Larvesta’s types both being effective against his opponent’s specialty could compensate.
The gym leader, stepping onto the field, flung his pruning scissors up and caught them again before sinking their blades into the grassy ground in a confident display. This was
his turf – and though as a gym leader he had to match his opponent’s skills and strengths and provide a fair challenge, it was clear that he was not going to be an easy victory – and his challenger would not have it any other way.
“Let’s get this started, then, sprout – I choose
Skiploom.” The old man grinned, producing a Pokéball and tossing it into the air, revealing his first Pokémon – a small, green and round creature, a pair of long ears flapping nearly wing-like as it floated gently in midair while a yellow-petalled flower rotated atop its head like the rotor of a helicopter. Gad recognized the creature as a partial Flying-type - which gave it an unpredictable edge. He would have to get a feel for what it
could do.
“Alright, Here we go. Zorya, Arise!” the challenger nodded, releasing the freshly-healed Larvesta into the battlefield, determination sparking in her eyes yet again.
“The challenger shall make the first move,” announced the referee – giving a small nod to both trainers, then, with a raised arm, cued the battle’s beginning.
“Okay, Zorya, let’s start this off with String Shot!” Gad called out, and the small fire-type complied, taking aim at the Skiploom and emitting a thick stream of silk threads from her mouth – but the nimble creature was no longer there, whisked away by a gust of wind that seemed to sparkle as it hurtled towards the Larvesta, leaving no lasting impression but a slight ruffle of her fur. The Larvesta shook her head in mild annoyance, attempting another volley – one that was similarly dodged.
“Yeh’re gonna have to do better than that to limit Skiploom’s mobility, sprout.” Ramos’ grin widened “My turn. Skiploom, Leech Seed!”
“Dodge it with Flame Charge!” Gad countered – and just in time. With another gust of sparkling wind the Cottonweed Pokémon was upon Zorya, doing a roll in midair and emitting a small cluster of small brown seeds from the center of its flower as it was turned downwards. The Larvesta’s horns burst into vibrant flames as the bug-type jetted away from the seeds’ trajectory, several of the seeds caught in the wake of the flame and igniting with a crackling noise.
High mobility and Leech Seed potential. I can’t risk drawing this battle out. “Now Flame Charge again!”
“Yer Larvesta may be moving faster, but that still ain’t enough for it to land a hit!” the Gym Leader grinned – and with another glittery gust the Skiploom was on the move, gliding nearly effortlessly out of the Larvesta’s path with a light tumble…
“And U-Turn!” Gad suddenly announced, and with a burst of flame the Larvesta abruptly changed direction, slamming into the floating Grass-Type before it had a chance to respond. The Skiploom screeched as it was knocked to the ground, bouncing off the surface and tumbling back to its feet, the Larvesta dropping to the ground softly and landing by her trainer’s side, charging back into the field of battle as its opponent lightly shook itself, re-orienting for a moment. This was his chance to KEEP it on the ground!
“ Quick, before it takes off again, String Shot!” Gad ordered – and Zorya complied, emitting a jet of silk again, entangling the Skiploom’s disoriented body.
“Now that was some quick thinking there.” Ramos nodded “But Skiploom is far from out… and don’t forget that while it can fly, it’s still a Grass-type… And frail lil’ blades o’ grass can break through concrete! Grass Knot!”
Sure enough, the Skiploom ceased its struggling and seemed to drive its forepaws into the grassy ground of the arena, a green glow suddenly emanating from its red eyes, slowly spreading across the field. Gad remembered reading something about Grass Knot being particularly effective to trip large, heavy creatures – a lighter Pokémon like Larvesta would barely be affected at all – let alone one that had a double resistance to a grass move. What was the leader playing at? Trapped as it were, the Skiploom would find it difficult to avoid an incoming fire move – which would be Gad’s best bet against the creature, its Flying-Type negating its weakness to the Larvesta’s Bug-Type moves. But there was always the chance that it would use its vantage point to plant a Leech Seed…
There was only one approach vector – ablaze, and without letting Grass Knot a chance to trip it.
“Zorya, Flame Wheel!”, the trainer said – and sure enough, the Larvesta’s horns burst into flames and she tucked her head down, rolling forward straight towards the Cottonweed Pokémon, which made no visible sign of planning to get out of there. The gym leader’s grin only widened – and Gad suddenly realized that he may have rolled straight into a trap.
“I thought yeh’d do that.” Ramos smirked “Now watch!”
Something green and glowing snaked its way along the
sides of the flame wheel’s path as rather than tripping the Larvesta from straight ahead, a series of thick grass-tangles formed at irregular intervals bumping the rolling Zorya from its sides, disrupting its balance and momentum. What started as a Flame Wheel attack was now teetering precariously in an attempt to right itself - and eventually failing, the Torch Pokémon flopping to the ground and rolling, its flames sputtering as it came to a halt, its body suddenly snared by another tangle of grass as to Gad’s horror the Skiploom broke its sticky bonds and took off in a blindingly-fast dash, slamming into the entangled Larvesta again and again from multiple directions in succession. He recognized
that move: Acrobatics, a powerful Flying-type move that increased in strength when its user held no items – and one that unless he did something fast would spell certain doom for Zorya.
“Zorya, burn your way out of there!” he called out, and the Larvesta, gathering all the strength she could under the Skiploom’s relentless attack, emitted a sharp cry and unleashed searing jets of flame in every possible direction her horns could emit in a single explosive burst that caught the attacking Skiploom head-on, the force of the impact knocking it forcibly to the ground, its body singed – face clenched in pain at what was indubitably a very nasty burn. The binding ties of Grass Knot and the patch of grass that held them burned away, leaving a deep, charred scar on the battlefield as the Larvesta – battered, bruised but somehow still holding on - righted herself, glaring defiantly at the Skiploom, the Cottonweed Pokémon glaring back through gritted teeth before another ripple of pain claimed its footing, the little Grass/Flying-Type collapsing to the ground, exhausted.
“Skiploom is unable to battle.” The referee announced “The Challenger wins the first round.”
“Well, now.” The Gym Leader smiled, returning the Skiploom to its ball and nodding at it with a quiet smile and a soft ‘thank you’ before turning his eyes to Gad, a serious expression taking the place of his characteristic wry grin “Yeh managed to work yer way out of that one, too… But I still have another Pokémon, and yer Larvesta isn’t looking so bright an’ chirpy. What’re yeh gonna do, sprout? Are we gonna continue this battle, or do yeh want to try again some other time? ‘s up to you.”
He was right. Zorya definitely looked rather spent – her clash with the Skiploom has left her rather worse for wear. But her blue eyes burned as fiercely as they did in the start of the battle – and when he gazed at her questioningly, a subtle nod and tiny sparks of flames emitted from her horns gave him the answer he sought. She was going to fight so long as she still can.
“Zorya’s willing to go on and therefore so am I.” Gad nodded, and the Gym Leader nodded in return, a grin coming back to his lips as he produced another Pokéball. “I like yer attitude, but let’s see if yeh can back it up. I choose
Gogoat!”
Anyone who lived in the proximity of Fourrage Road would recognize the beast that took its place on the battlefield - the illustrious Baa de Mer ranch served as a home for its kind for generations. Gogoats were large ungulates covered in shaggy brown-and-white fur, a thick bushy mane of leaves running along their chest, back and tail, and long, backward-curving horns that always made Gad think of some kind of biological motorcycle handlebars. This particular individual was obviously well-cared for – its coat was glossy, its eyes were bright and alert and there was a certain spring in its step as it trotted onto the field. It would not be an easy foe to tackle, especially in Zorya’s current condition... but that gave him an idea – one that could even the playing field and make this battle potentially winnable. He’d have to time this just right…
“Take it down.” The gym leader nodded, and the Mount Pokémon charged, head lowered, preparing to ram the Larvesta with a reckless tackle. Zorya turned her eyes to Gad, awaiting his next move with a look of confusion – a look that changed into devious determination as the trainer returned the Larvesta’s gaze, then turned his eyes to the incoming threat. Zorya nodded and braced herself, sparks of flame dancing around her horns preparing herself for launch as the Gogoat’s hooves thundered against the grassy arena, its body almost glowing with momentum-
“Now! Leech Life!”
A fierce burst of flames launched the Larvesta upwards in a graceful arc, landing on the Gogoat’s back and hanging onto its back, she buried her face in the Grass-type’s mane, wriggling through it until finally she found a spot to sink a pair of sharp mandibles concealed in her mouth, piercing through skin and flesh and feasting on the blood she managed to draw. The Gogoat emitted a sharp bleat, bucking wildly and attempting to yank the Larvesta away by wrapping vines around her abdomen and pulling hard. The Larvesta, in response, wriggled deeper in, strengthening her grip, vitality coursing through her body as her blood meal nourished rapid cellular regeneration processes. If she could hold on a little longer-
“Feisty lil’ bugger, yer Larvesta is, but yeh should be more careful about
where yeh aim yer attacks. Gogoat, Razor Leaf!”
The Gogoat ceased its bucking and with a sound of rustling a change took place in the mane – the leaves that comprised it seemed to stand on end, an unnatural sheen taking their edges as they burst every which way, knocking the Larvesta away in a cloud of cutting edges – and while her type saved her from the brunt of the attack, it was enough to force her to let go – which was enough for the Gogoat’s vines to pull her away and slam her to the ground below.
“Now Bulldoze!” Ramos ordered and the Gogoat reared up, and preparing to stomp the Larvesta with its hooves – a move whose damage would only be augmented by the shockwaves that would be generated by the impact. He had to stop it
“Flame Charge!” Gad called out – and Zorya sprung up, horns igniting into flame as she launched herself upwards, impacting the Gogoat’s exposed underbelly – knocking the large ungulate back into a rolling crash onto its side.
“Now, while it’s down! Bug Buzz!” was the following command, and the Torch Pokémon took her stance, loudly stridulating her horns against the hairs of her coat. Something was amiss – the noise was weaker and the characteristic nearly-visible ripples in the air were missing. Larvesta weren’t known for their Special Attack, but Gad tended to use the move for its disorienting nature, or to attempt a shield against other sound moves – and while the Gogoat was clearly still somewhat taxed by the assault on its senses, the effect should have been much greater. Was the Larvesta’s attack power lowered in some way? Did she -
Overheat. Of course. Many fire-types could push their fire-power to the maximum to produce an exceptionally powerful blaze – but at a cost to their own strength being sapped for a while. The situation with the Skiploom was dire enough for Zorya to use this move as a last resort - some of her strength may have been restored by Leech Life, but she was still weakened – and he got the sneaking suspicion that the Gym Leader would use that against him.
Finally, the Grass-Type rose to its feet – adamantly, if somewhat shakily. Gogoats were hardy creatures and their stamina was one of their strongest assets – a major reason for their early domestication and common historical use as riding beasts. Mammal and Arthropod stared each other down, both breathing heavily as their trainers weighed their options.
“Right, then. It’s been a fine battle, sure as trees grow up. But I think it’s time we put an end to it.” the Gym Leader said with a small nod “What yeh say, sprout? One last all-out attack, winner takes all?”
“Sounds good to me.” Gad nodded in return as both Larvesta and Gogoat took their places at opposite ends of the arena. What was about to happen was pretty clear - When Gogoats battled for dominance in the wild, there was charging and locking of horns, a struggle of determination and strength. Even from across different sides of the arena, the two combatants locked their gazes on each other, focusing their strength. There would be no more posturing, no tricks, no evasions. This was to be the final, decisive move of this gym battle – and both trainers and Pokémon were determined to make it count.
“ Gogoat! Aerial Ace!”
“Zorya, Flame Wheel!”
The Gogoat charged forward with a loud bleat, air visibly rushing around it as its momentum and velocity built – and leapt into the air, seeming to almost fly in the wind tunnel formed by its passing for a moment as it turned its body downwards, hurtling towards the ground. The Larvesta horns emitted bright jets of flame as she tucked her head in and flew into a rapid rolling dash directly towards the Gogoat, a wheel of fire hurtling towards its target fiercely, a blazing trail left in its wake as it too took to the air like a comet aimed directly at the rapidly approaching goat, its horns aimed forward to strike…
Contact. A wall of air and a wall of fire crashed into each other in a glorious, explosive display - gusts of wind cut through the Larvesta’s flaming aura as tongues of flame, feeding on the enriched oxygen, enveloped the Gogoat, the magnitude of impact knocking both Pokémon away from each other and back to the ground with a loud crash only slightly muffled by the grass of the arena.
For a moment, neither the Larvesta nor the Gogoat stirred. Tension was palpable as the referee appeared to weigh her decision of the battle’s outcome – when suddenly, the Larvesta twitched, opening her eyes – almost blank as she fought to maintain consciousness but with the same flicker of determination - as she struggled to right herself in spite of the pain. Zorya turned her eyes to her trainer for a moment, as if to reassure him that she was not giving up on the victory - then to her fallen opponent, which seemed to make no similar effort to stand up. With a defiant, almost hissing chirp, the Larvesta finally straightened herself up, arching her body and emitting a few sparks from the tips of her horns.
“Gogoat is unable to battle.” The referee raised her arm “The victory belongs to the challenger!”
With a final burst of flames from her horns – a final word of victory, the Larvesta’s footing finally gave way as exhaustion finally caught up. Rushing to the Larvesta’s side, the trainer grinned as he kneeled ot the ground and picked the small Pokémon up, brushing a fingertip softly against her forehead.
“Well done, Zorya… You did it.” He smiled as he returned the Larvesta to her Pokéball for the second time that day – being dimly aware of the gym leader returning his fallen Gogoat into its own ball and walking over to him as he stood back up.
“It’s been a while since I’ve seen a battle like this. That some bond yeh have with yer Larvesta. Yeh believe in yer Pokémon... And it believes in yeh, too.” The Gym Leader nodded, motioning to the referee – who approached the two trainers carrying a small box. Gesturing towards its contents – a leaf-shaped sea-green badge, its edges trimmed with a golden line that continued into the leaf itself in the form of a plant-like etching upon its surface – the old man smiled.
“Pokémon training is a lot like gardening - it’s about bringing living things to their fullest potential. Takes effort… but it’s a labor of love. It’s always good to see trainers who don’t forget that – I reckon yeh’ve proven yourself worthy of this Plant Badge. Go on – take it.”
“Thank you.” Gad smiled, picking the badge up – his first gym badge – and attaching it to the lapel of his jacket. It would do until he got himself a proper badge case. “This was one battle I won’t forget anytime soon.”
“Told yeh I’d make it memorable.” Ramos’ grin widened “Now I suggest yeh go and get that Larvesta of yers patched up, sprout. I know I’m going to do the same fer my Pokémon.”
And like that, he reached down to pull his scissors out of the ground, hoisted them over his shoulder and walked off towards where Gad presumed the Gym had its healing machines. Turning away towards the Gym’s entrance, Gad set off towards the Pokémon center. Ramos was right – healing Zorya came first.
